Middlesbrough coach Aitor Karanka has told FA Cup hero Stewart Downing he has played himself back into Premier League contention.
The former England midfielder smashed home a stunning winner to edge Premier League Boro to a 1-0 fourth round victory over League Two Accrington, capping an impressive individual display on his return to the starting line-up for the first time since New Year's Eve.
Downing has been linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium this month, but Karanka insisted after the game that he remains part of his plans.
Karanka said: "I don't know who was speaking.