Stewart Downing has taken an early lead in the Lion of the Season with former Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker giving him a second nomination for his performance on Saturday.

Downing and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were the prime forces behind Middlesbrough’s 4-0 win at Blackburn.

The Dutch star scored a hat-trick but Downing caught the eye of Parker as he set up two of the goals and provided a constant threat with a range of passing and dribbling on the left-hand side.

"He seems fearless for someone so young," said Parker, who was part of the England side at Italia '90.

"He is a bit like Ryan Giggs when he broke into our side at Manchester United. He has very quick feet and can run with the ball or set up goals.

"The left-hand side has been a problem for England in recent years. But I don’t think Steve McClaren will want to push him forward too early but protect him like Ferguson did at United."

Downing set up Hasselbaink’s first goal with an astute pass after 56 minutes and after going close himself with a superb 25 yard shot bent hit the outside of his left foot, he crossed from the right to give Hasselbaink another goal just before the hour mark.

Lion of the Season - Total nominations so far

Stewart Downing 2
Ashley Cole 1
Rio Ferdinand 1
Steve Gerrard 1
David James 1
Ledley King 1
Michael Owen 1
Alan Smith 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1

* TheFA.com selection panel this season are former England internationals: Mick Mills, Russell Osman, Paul Parker, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Mullery.

Every Monday TheFA.com announces the best England player from the weekend with the help of a former professional. The player with most nominations in May will be named Lion of the Season.