Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has claimed that Stewart Downing's performances for Middlesbrough last season mean that he was in no doubt about moving to sign the 35-year-old when he became available in the summer.

Downing signed a one-year deal with Rovers in late June, becoming their first signing of the transfer window, and has already become a popular figure at Ewood Park.

The veteran has started all but one of Blackburn's league games so far this season, putting in a string of impressive performances in a variety of positions, and it seems that Mowbray had always planned to get all he could out of the midfielder in terms of game time.

Speaking to The Lancashire Telegraph about the acquisition of Downing, Mowbray said: “His quality means he makes good decisions with the ball and be a big player in the Championship, as I saw last year in the five times I watched Middlesbrough live. 

“He was generally their best player so when it arose, even with his age, it was a no-brainer to whether we could add Stewy Downing to our group, even if he was showing players how to stay with the ball, pick the right pass.

“He’s played at the top level, he’s played for England, for Liverpool, and he has such a lovely, soft personality to go with it."

Since joining Blackburn, Downing has played in several positions across the midfield and even defence this season and that too appears to have been in Mowbray's mind from the start, with the Rovers boss adding: “I remember meeting him at my house and talking to him and him asking me where he would play and my decisions.

“I suggested he could play left-back, central midfield, off the left, off the right, behind the striker."

Reflecting on how Downing has performed in those various positions so far this season, Mowbray continued: “He has shown his versatility, I can shift him from right-wing to left-wing and I can play him centre mid and he just keeps the ball moving. I’m delighted with him.”

Blackburn are currently 14th in the Championship with four wins and two draws from their opening 11 league games of the season, and are next in action when they host Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

I was surprised by this signing when it announced to be honest, but I don't think there can be any doubt it has been a successful one for Blackburn.

Downing has been a key figure for Rovers this season, and this signing is one that appears to have been fully justified by his performances.

While I don't think there was ever any real doubt about his ability, that fact that he still has the fitness to compete so regularly at this level at the age of 35 is testament to Downing's commitment and dedication to his career.

With another summer signing, left-back Greg Cunningham, now facing several months out due to injury, it does seem as though the versatility possessed by Downing that Mowbray spoke about, could come in handy for Rovers this season.