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Stewart Downing: Boro enjoying promising start, but long way to go

Stewart Downing is refusing to be carried away by promoted Middlesbrough's encouraging start to life back in the Premier League.

Boro followed up their opening day draw with Stoke with a 2-1 derby victory over Sunderland on Sunday to secure a first top-flight win since their return and strengthen their belief that they belong in the big time.

Former Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham midfielder Downing was always confident his home-town club would have what it takes to mix it in the Premier League, but he knows their adventure has only just begun.

He said: "We were always confident behind closed doors that we had the squad.