Downing has proved a point to his critics this season

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has urged his team-mates to repeat the level of performance they showed in Sunday's 8-1 defeat of Manchester City.

"We need to be more ruthless, today at 2-0 up we said 'Let's kill the game and get goals'," he told BBC Tees.

"We didn't stop working even at 7-1 and we got the rewards for doing so.

"The manager said 'Let's finish on a high and show the fans we are a good team, we can score goals.' It was a perfect finish to the season for us."

Downing has enjoyed an excellent season, having made double figures on the score sheets and been an ever present in the side.

However, the Pallister Park-born wideman hopes to see an improved Boro league position next season.

"I am proud of playing every game and getting goals, but it would be even better if we can get up the league," he said.

"I'm pleased with my strike rate but I hope we can do well as a team."