Mido scored in each of his first two games for Middlesbrough (Getty)

The Egyptian striker made his first start since October in Sunday's FA Cup draw with Sheffield United.

Winger Downing told BBC Tees: "He is a big strong lad who can win his flick-ons, or you can play it into him and he will hold it up and play you in.

"He's a bit like Mark Viduka in that he's a big strong lad and it's good to have him back."

Downing added: "Our strikers offer different things so the competition for places is good.

"He is working hard getting fit, and he's a good player when he's fit. If we can get him back scoring goals for us it will look good for us."

I am hopeful that in the next couple of games I will get back to top form Middlesbrough striker Mido

Mido has only scored twice for Boro since his �6m summer move from Tottenham, but is determined to prove his worth now he is close to full fitness.

He said: "I have been working very hard over the last couple of weeks.

"I had a chat with the gaffer and explained to him that I wanted to do my best to get back in the side and get fit because I didn't want to come back when I wasn't fit because I would be useless to the side.

"I have been working very hard with the medical staff and the physios and they have done a good job for me.