STEWART DOWNING'S return to Middlesbrough has left winger Thomas Butler focused on trying to ensure Sunderland do not miss the Teessider too much.

Downing's return to the Riverside on Thursday, when his loan spell was cut short, proved to be the Black Cats' second major blow this week.

The 19-year-old's departure followed the bad news that Colin Healy will miss the rest of the season with the broken leg he sustained when Coventry's Youssef Safri smashed into his right shin on Monday night.

But there has been good news for McCarthy, who now has Butler available for selection after recovering from surgery on his ankle.

The young Republic of Ireland wide-man admits he has a hard act to follow after Downing impressed by grabbing three goals in his six appearances for Sunderland.

Butler, who is likely to make the bench at West Ham today, said: "A player of Stewart's ability is bound to be missed. I thought he had done very well for us, adding natural width down the left side. I think he enjoyed his time here as well, but he knew he would have to go back to Middlesbrough one day.

"Hopefully my return can give the gaffer a bit of a boost. Obviously there are a lot of games over the Festive period and so hopefully I'll be able to add to his options."

Highly-rated Butler has never really lived up the growing reputation he had as a youngster, with injuries playing a big part in slowing his development.

But the 22-year-old - who already has two caps for his country - is now aiming to become a regular in the Sunderland ranks.

Butler has made only 26 appearances, half as substitute, for Sunderland since making his debut in the 1999-2000 campaign.

But he said: "It's been difficult for me having so many injuries. Ever since I first broke into the first team it's been stop-start.

"I've won myself a place in the first team, played a few games and then I've picked up an injury and had to start all over again. It's been hard to take sometimes.

"It is always difficult when you're going in and out of the side, but even harder when you've been injured. Your fitness isn't great and your touch isn't as sharp as it could be.

"You need a run of games to get your best form and I've never really been able to do that. I've had more than my fair share of injury problems and I just hope I can put that all behind me now and get a good run in the side. I'm confident people will then see the best of me."