Middlesbrough FC

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Downing issues support plea

29 Sep 2008 - 14:46:29

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Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has urged the club's supporters to continue backing the side despite the Teessiders slipping to a fourth consecutive defeat over the weekend.

England international Downing was handed the captain's armband for the first time in Saturday's clash with West Bromwich Albion, but was unable to inspire his team-mates as they crashed to a 1-0 defeat.

"I can understand the fans getting edgy because we aren't winning, but we need them to stick with us," he told the club's official website.

"I think the confidence thing is a big issue. The more experienced players like me have got to get round the younger players because, if they're coming into an environment like this, it's going to be hard now that we've lost four on the spin.

"If we'd scored first, I think it would have been a different story. I think we'd have gone on and scored quite a few but we didn't and then we had to chase the game."

Meanwhile, Downing has revealed his pride at being handed the armband by manager Gareth Southgate in the absence through suspension of Emanuel Pogatetz.

"It's a fantastic honour and I was over the moon when Gareth asked me," he added. "It would have been the perfect day if we'd have picked up three points but it wasn't to be.

"We've got a week now and we need to work on things."