Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has hit back at reports suggesting he had aimed a broadside at England boss Steve McClaren.
The 22-year-old was quoted in several Sunday newspapers on Sunday talking about his disappointment at being dropped for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia following criticism of his performances in previous games.
However, Downing said: 'I would like to set the record straight following articles that appeared in some of the Sunday newspapers.
'Having agreed to do an interview to preview Middlesbrough's game at Manchester City, I instead faced a series of questions about England. I do not deny that the quotes attributed to me were accurate, but I was disappointed by the way what I said was sensationalised and taken out of context.'
He added: 'I would like to make it clear that in no way did I intend to criticise Steve McClaren or offend any of my England tam-mates.
'The truth is I was disappointed to be left out of the team for the game in Croatia, but I am determined to bounce back and claim a regular place in the national side.'
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