Source: SKY_Sports
Southgate hails Downing
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to the form and attitude of Stewart Downing.[LNB] Downing expressed a desire to leave Boro during the transfer window after Tottenham expressed an interest in his services.[LNB]The England international handed in a transfer request at the Riverside which was rejected by the club.[LNB]Boro fought hard to keep hold of the 24-year-old and Southgate has praised Downing for getting over the disappointment of not winning a move to Spurs and knuckling down to hard work for Boro.[LNB]"He's never been a problem for us," said Southgate. "His attitude to things is great and he's a Middlesbrough lad who wants Middlesbrough to do well.[LNB]"He's frustrated as everyone is that we haven't been able to match other clubs in the transfer market but that is the reality of the situation we have.[LNB]Determination"His determination is to make sure we come out of the spell we've had."[LNB]Downing, who was employed in a central role, opened the scoring at Upton Park on Saturday in the FA Cup fifth-round clash against West Ham - his first strike of the season.[LNB]"He's played in that role a few times for us and he's been excellent," Southgate said. "One of the reasons we've been able to do it is the good form of Adam Johnson on the left.[LNB]"It gives us another creative player in midfield, with pace to run at teams from deep."[LNB]
