Stewart Downing says Jonathan Grounds has what it takes to establish himself at Middlesbrough.

The England winger told the Evening Gazette: "Jonathan has fitted in so well, that I don't have to look after him.

"I have full faith in him doing his job behind me, and that means I can get on with mine.

"I love playing in front of him because he lets me play my own game.

"I was very disappointed that we lost at Liverpool recently, but from a personal point of view I scored a goal and created one and that's what I'm there to do.

"But it would be much harder for me to do that, if I was having to help out Jonathan. Players have to trust each other, and already I have learned that I can trust him.

"He can be very proud of himself for doing so well in his first few games."