THERE are times in Stewart Downing’s career when he has been involved in higher-profile matches. There are periods when he has been closer to winning silverware, or when his ambitions stretched to the international arena as well as the club game.

In his 16-year senior career, however, the Middlesbrough midfielder struggles to remember a time when he has played with a bigger smile on his face. Like a fine red wine, life for the 34-year-old has improved with age.

Back in his hometown, playing for his hometown team, Downing feels settled and content. His second spell at Middlesbrough hasn’t always gone to plan – Garry Monk would happily have sold him in the summer of 2017 if an acceptable offer had come his way – but Tony Pulis’ arrival has helped bring about one of the most consistent spells of Downing’s playing days.

Week in, week out, the Teessider is one of Middlesbrough’s most influential performers. His playing style might have changed from the days when he was tearing up the left flank under Steve McClaren, but his precise passing and astute positional play arguably make him an even more effective performer in his current guise.

Given he will turn 35 next July, that is some going, and while there is an acceptance that the march of time will eventually catch up with him, Boro’s hometown hero is determined to banish all thoughts of retirement for as long as possible. If you’re enjoying something as much as you ever have, why on earth would you want it to end?

“I’m really enjoying it at the minute,” said Downing, who will return to action in Boro’s televised game at Brentford on Saturday. “Winning games is obviously important, and it’s going well. But I think the main thing is that I’m playing, and when that happens, you’ve got to enjoy it.

“I think playing every week and being fit and healthy is probably the main thing at my age. If you’re 34 and you’re not really in the team, it can make you think, ‘My time might be up’. At the minute, I’m not thinking about that at all because I’m out there playing. I feel good, and I’m recovering well from the games, so at the minute, I’m just really enjoying it.”

There have been times during Downing’s career when he has divided opinion amongst Boro supporters, but with the passage of time has come a growing recognition of everything the former Pallister Park resident has achieved in a Boro shirt.

Increasingly, he is regarded as the fans’ favourite he should always have been, with his longevity providing another string to add to his bow.

He provides a link to the days of the Premier League and Europe, of Cardiff and Eindhoven, but is also striving to ensure Boro supporters do not have to live in the past. His performances during the current campaign have been a major factor in the Teessiders’ push up the Championship table, and for all that he might not be getting any younger, it surely says much that he is one of just four outfield players who have started every league game.

Pulis certainly rates him highly, citing his professionalism and consistency as qualities that any youngster should aspire to replicate. Downing has always been a dedicated pro, and his commitment to his trade helps explain why he has been able to look after his body throughout his career. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he shows no sign of slowing down.

“I’m sure there’ll be a day where I can’t recover for that next game and it’s game over, but hopefully that’s a long way off,” he said. “Players are different. At different ages, you feel different things. But I had a tough pre-season and that helped me. I’m feeling really good at the minute. There’s no niggles coming back or anything like that, so fingers crossed I can keep playing.”