Stewart Downing says Middlesbrough must stay grounded.

Boro followed up their opening day draw with Stoke with a 2-1 derby victory over Sunderland on Sunday to secure a first top-flight win since their return and strengthen their belief that they belong in the big time.

Downing said: "We were always confident behind closed doors that we had the squad. You have seen the players coming in - they obviously believe in what we are doing. We have signed some big players and they are performing well.

"I feel confident we can do well, it's been proved in the two games that we can match it. But there's a long way to go yet. We have a lot of points to play for and we have to play like that every week.

"We will have tough times and its how you come through them as well."