Stewart Downing is focused on keeping Middlesbrough in the Premier League despite handing in a transfer request.

"Obviously I talked to the manager about the situation (transfer request)," Downing admitted.

"I listened to what he said and I'm just getting on with the job. I'm trying to do my best for the club.

"The important thing is that we keep everybody together because it's difficult times.

"You need everybody doing their bit for the team, including the subs when they come on, if we are to get out of this situation.

"You speak to the players and they know we are in a little bit of trouble at the moment, but we know we can get out of it.

"We have no excuses being in the bottom three. But we want to keep the club in the Premier League because that's where we want to be."