Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing believes confidence within the squad has been restored following their 5-0 defeat by Chelsea a fortnight ago.

Boro have taken four points from six since that heavy loss and Downing is confident they can continue that form against West Ham on Saturday.

"The lads are confident and there's a lot of smiling faces at the club," he told BBC Look North.

"We've proved in the past we can out-do the top teams."

The Hammers arrive on Teesside off the back of a morale-sapping 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

It has been a baptism of fire for their manager Gianfranco Zola, who remains new in the role, but Downing is wary of the prospect of facing his side on Saturday.

"They'll be disappointed, it was hard game with a lot of travelling and hopefully we'll take advantage of that," he said.

"But knowing Gianfranco Zola, they'll play good football and they've got a lot of battlers in their team and they'll be up for it.

"They'll see it as a game they can win also."

One man hoping to line-up alongside Downing in Saturday's game is Justin Hoyte.

The �3m defender has made eight appearances since joining the Teessiders from Arsenal in August and is keen to push his way into the side after recovering from a groin injury.

"It's been a frustrating time with injury, it gets me down," he said.

"I was happy to get back training, fully fit and raring to go.

"Hopefully I'll be involved in the squad, the team have been playing well so I don't expect to start the game but I'd like to be involved.

"I'll get my chance and when I get my chance I'll take it and hopefully stay in the team."

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