Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is delighted with the form of Stewart Downing.

Downing returned home 15 months ago to inspire Boro to promotion.

"He was frustrated last season," said Karanka. “Everybody was because he came here as a homegrown player and everyone expected a lot.

“The Championship was a surprise to him and it was strange for me because I couldn't bring him to his best.

“I had a lot of meetings with him. I knew how important he was for the team but for some reason, it was tough.

“Now we're back in the Premier League and everyone is now watching the real Stewart Downing again."