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Stewart Downing retains support of Middlesbrough fans and team-mates as Aitor Karanka tries to force out hometown star

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing clearly retains the support of the dressing-room and the terraces.

The popular winger, however, must hope that manager Aitor Karanka is ready to join his band of faithful followers.

Downing had been told by Karanka that he could leave the Riverside this month and the former England international was reluctantly considering a loan move to Crystal Palace.

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing retains the support of the dressing-room and the terraces
The former England international was reluctantly considering a loan move to Crystal Palace
The former England international was reluctantly considering a loan move to Crystal Palace
Team-mate Fabio certainly wants to see Downing remain on Teesside, as do the fans
Team-mate Fabio certainly wants to see Downing remain on Teesside, as do the fans

But the 32-year-old does not want to quit his hometown club and Saturday's match-winning strike against Accrington Stanley - a 25-yard drive into the top corner - could well prove a timely reminder of his worth.