Middlesbrough

Stewart Downing: 'Middlesbrough players still settling in'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 17 September 2015

Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing believes that his side will move up another gear once certain players start to bed themselves in.

Stewart Downing has warned Middlesbrough's Championship rivals that there is still far more to come from his side.

The Smoggies have recovered from a slow start to the campaign by winning each of their last three league fixtures.

Key to the resurgence has been the ability to find the net on a consistent basis, with Christian Stuani taking his tally to seven goals in nine appearances in the 3-1 win over Brentford in midweek.

Diego Fabbrini and Kike have also chipped in, while summer signing Carlos de Pena was an unused sub against the Bees.

Speaking to the club's official website, Downing said: "We've always been confident we can get results. Diego and Kike have already scored a few goals, Stuani is back now and is fresh, Nuge has got his first goal and so have I.

"Carlos watched the game on Saturday, and was on the bench on Tuesday so now we have more options. Goals are what you need. It gives the team confidence. It'll take time for players to bed in, but we're still winning games."

Only Queens Park Rangers have scored more goals than Boro across the opening seven games of the season.