Downing signed for Middlesbrough as a schoolboy

The 23-year-old has held talks with boss Gareth Southgate and hinted he may consider leaving the club because of fierce critcism from fans.

"I am committed and would love nothing more than to bring success to this club," Downing told the Northern Echo.

"But in the last couple of weeks I have been to see the manager and I did express at one point I wanted to go."

Downing, named in the England squad for the forthcoming games against Austria and Croatia, was one of several Boro players jeered during last weekend's 1-1 home draw with Tottenham.

Gareth Southgate's side sit just a point above the Premier League relegation zone after 12 matches.

606: DEBATE Fans booing Downing is really disappointing boro-tom

Downing added: "The manager has backed me and I am close to him. When we spoke about it, he tried to assure me that times will change. He doesn't want me to leave on that note.

"He told me 'Why let these people who get on your back get the better of you? They have done it before to me and I have come through it'."

Downing added: "I can understand the fans' frustrations because they pay their money, but I think it's a case of 'get real'. We are not like the top five or so, we have not got millions and millions to spend.

"I would like the fans to get behind us. If fans get behind players then ask any player and they will tell you it helps. It drives players on.

"But if the fans are booing, moaning and groaning, then it does not help anyone."