Stewart Downing: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises midfielder

West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing won the last of his 34 England caps in May 2012

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Stewart Downing is the best midfielder in the Premier League on current form.

Downing, 30, had a key role in West Ham's 2-0 win over QPR, and been an influential performer in the club's rise to seventh after seven matches.

"I don't think there is anybody playing in midfield that is better than Stewart Downing," Allardyce said.

"He was my man of the match against QPR. The confidence is growing again in Stewart and he's showing his quality."

Allardyce signed Downing from Liverpool for £5m in August 2013, and the Hammers boss thinks he could force his way back into contention for England.

"I think so but that is another choice for Roy Hodgson," Allardyce added.

"The quality of Stewart Downing was a major factor why we beat QPR.

"The amount of ball we can get to him in that position in midfield, in a diamond, has been fantastic for him and for us."

Downing won the last of his 34 caps in England's 1-0 friendly win over Norway in May 2012.