ENGLAND winger Stewart Downing will see a specialist in London next Tuesday hoping to be given the green light to take the next step forward on the road to full fitness.

The 24-year-old underwent a successful foot operation in the capital on May 22 after being injured in a challenge by Aston Villa's Stilian Petrov in the final home game of the season.

He was ordered to rest over the summer but is eager to return to full training as soon as possible.

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Manager Gareth Southgate said today: "We're very pleased with Stewart's progress.

"He underwent a serious foot operation but he is determined to come back stronger and fitter as soon as he can.

"He is due to see a specialist in London on July 7 and we expect him to be given the go-ahead to step up his rehabilitation from there.

"So far it's been as much about resting and allowing the foot to recover from the operation but I know he will be keen to focus on some more serious rehab and make real strides towards getting fit."

Stewart Downing shortly after being fouled by Stiliyan Petrov - Photo-North News and Pictures

Boro's senior players return to Rockliffe Park on Monday, the day before Downing sees the specialist, and Southgate expects that to provide extra motivation for the player.

"Ultimately, he just wants to play football so I know he'll work hard to get back as soon as possible," he added.

Earlier in the summer chairman Steve Gibson said Boro will not stand in Downing's way if one of the Premier League's top clubs makes an acceptable bid on his return to fitness.

Asked about Downing's future, Gibson said: "Stewart is a gem, a gem as a person and a gem as a footballer. We're lucky to have him.

"But there comes a point in every player's career where they have to sit down and without emotion make a decision about their career. It is such a short career.

"I think Stewart has maybe five or six years left at the top. Can I offer him European football? No. Does he deserve European football? In my opinion, yes."

Gibson revealed that while not inviting offers for the England winger, there is an agreement that could see him move on.

"We had a kind of unspoken agreement that if the right club came in - and I believe Stewart is a top-four club player - we would not stand in his way.

"He's a great lad and I just want to see him back on the pitch, enjoying his football and pressing for the England squad and if a big club comes in for him I've given Stewart my word that I will not stand in his way."

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