Stewart Downing is refusing to give up on his Middlesbrough career despite a reported training ground disagreement with coach Aitor Karanka.
Downing and Karanka had a difference of opinion during the buildup to Saturday's FA Cup sixth-round clash with Manchester City, PA Sport reported.
The former England international did not make the matchday squad and, when asked about the exclusion of both Downing and January signing Patrick Bamford, Karanka spoke of a need for "18 fighters."
Sources on Teesside said Downing, reportedly disgruntled to have been left out the squad for Premier League trip to Stoke on March 4, raised the issue with Karanka and received a blunt response.