But Downing maintained he does not want to take on the job full time even though he will continue in the role for as long as required.The Baggies won for the first time in 10 games with a 1-0 Barclays Premier League success over 10-man Newcastle at The Hawthorns.
Downing appears to have had a positive effect since taking charge following the sacking of Steve Clarke last month, with the team now unbeaten in four games.
Keith Downing: "I am enjoying it. It is easy to say that because I haven't been beaten but for me it was always about supporting the club and that is what I've intended to do, whether win, draw or lose.
"It was important for the club to try to change the momentum and we have done that over the Christmas period.
"It can't go on, the uncertainty can't go on. There has to be a decision eventually.
"They can't just keep making me caretaker in the next month. There has to be a decision from them. January is an important month in the football calendar.
"Steve Clarke was an excellent coach.
"I thought there was a fine dividing line. Decisions went against us at Stoke and Chelsea and then we had a poor week when we lost three on the bounce.
"Confidence started to deteriorate but it wasn't through Steve.
"The players probably just lost a little bit of belief but I think the last two or three performances they have got that back.
"Newcastle came with seven wins out of 10 and have some fantastic players.
"We had to make sure nullified their strengths. I thought we did that and restricted them to few chances.
"I thought we created one or two really good opportunities.
"The sending off made a big difference and opened the game up for ourselves, but they always looked a threat on the break. We had to be careful.
"But we have made some positive changes. I always intended to do that."