Stewart Downing is backing Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate to take the club to the next level next season.

The Teessiders finally put an end to their Barclays Premier League relegation fears last Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.

They entertain Manchester City on Sunday knowing they can start to plan for the new season and with Southgate insisting he will learn the lessons of the last 12 months as he prepares to embark upon the third year of his managerial career.

Downing, who has been named the Official Supporters Club's Player of the Year, admits this season has been one of underachievement for his hometown club but the 23-year-old England international is confident there is more to come.

He said: "Speaking to the manager, I know what he wants to do and how he wants to play. I am sure next season he will have a good go at it in his third year of management.

"He will want to do well, get his own players in and hopefully strengthen the squad."