David Wheater remains hopeful that Stewart Downing will stay with Middlesbrough.

"He wants to win because he loves the club... er, well I don't know if he does but he is from the area and wants the team to do well," said Wheater.

"It (Downing's appointment) was not that much of a surprise - all the lads respect him.

"Hopefully it will make him change his mind, we want him to stay."