The 24-year-old was a major target, not for the first time, for Tottenham, who tabled a series of bids for him as Harry Redknapp tried to lure the England international to White Hart Lane.

However, Boro insisted neither he, nor Gary O'Neil, Tuncay Sanli or indeed, any of their other senior players, would be allowed to leave the Riverside Stadium, and were as good as their word.

But whether or not he was disappointed at the way things developed, it has not dented his determination to keep his hometown club in the Premier League.

He said: "I spoke to the manager about moving on, but it didn't materialise, so there were no worries there. I get on with it.

"The team needed me and we need everyone together and can't afford to carry passengers. I'm just concentrating on keeping us in the league."

Boro head for Manchester City on Saturday looking for a first league win in 13 attempts and sitting in 19th place in the table.

Some supporters voiced their frustration after last weekend's 0-0 home draw with Blackburn and, while Downing can understand their feelings, he knows only a united front will get the club out of trouble.

He told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "Obviously the fans pay their money and they would like a bit more attacking play, as we would ourselves.

"You can understand their frustration. We understand the position we are in and we know what we have to do to get out of it.

"Do we want to be playing two or three games a week in the Championship next season on cold, wet nights, or do we want to be playing the Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds?

"That's a great incentive for us to go to Manchester City and win - and I'm confident we can."