Middlesbrough

Aitor Karanka: 'Stewart Downing will cope with the pressure of Middlesbrough return'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter
Published: 06 August 2015 1:47 PM

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is adamant that Stewart Downing will be able to cope with the expectations placed on him following his return to his hometown club.

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has insisted that Stewart Downing will have no problem dealing with the pressure of his return to his hometown club.

The 31-year-old secured a move to the North-East outfit for a fee of £5m from West Ham United, dropping down a division from the Premier League to the Championship.

However, the Spaniard is adamant that Downing will be able to cope with the expectations placed on him this season due to his vast experience.

Karanka told Sports Mole: "When you have the quality Stewart does there will be pressure on him to perform, but he has the talent to remove the pressure as well.

"He's a Premier League quality player and he played with the national team last year. I can guarantee you that it is not easy to play in the England team.

"He has played a lot of matches in his career so I'm very confident that he will be able to handle the pressure."

Middlesbrough open their Championship season away to Preston North End on Sunday.