Gareth Southgate is convinced Middlesbrough are now moving in the right direction.

Southgate believes the £12.7million capture of Brazilian striker Afonso Alves and the five-year contract signed by England winger Stewart Downing have given the club a massive lift.

He said: "I think we have proved beyond all doubt that the long-term aspirations of the club are as high as ever.

"We are on a decent run and this double signing has given everybody connected with the club a big psychological boost."