DOWNING: HOW DID BORO GET INTO THIS MESS?

STEWART DOWNING has admitted he is shocked by Middlesbrough’s relegation plight. The former England winger says he never expected his club to be on the brink – with defeat meaning they will be relegated at Chelsea tonight. Boro had the resources to stay up but restrictive tactics and a terrible lack of goals ruined their season. They only have one win since December 17, but they have four points from the last two games – the best they’ve done this season. Downing is ready for one last push at Stamford Bridge and said: “I honestly thought we would stay in this league and wouldn’t be in this position. “I thought we would have done better, but we have to keep going. “It’s going to be difficult. We’re under no illusions about that.” Boro have provided few highlights this season but have done reasonably against top teams. Downing added: “People won’t expect us to win at Chelsea, but look at last weekend... Manchester City had top players and we could and should have won. “We had chances, there was the penalty decision and we gave away a sloppy goal. “If we play like we did last Sunday we have every chance of getting the result we need. “On any given day you can beat anyone in this league. “We’ve done well against the top teams over all this season. “It’s been disappointing to come out of some of those games not winning, but knowing you’ve done something right and there’s been nothing to choose. If you lose it knocks you.” Downing was out of favour under previous boss Aitor Karanka but has hit top form under Steve Agnew (above). He added: “The gaffer is giving the players confidence. I know what he’s about and the players enjoy working with him. “The circumstances have been difficult for him, but he’s a bubbly character, he doesn’t dwell and he gets the message across about what he expects – and he expects high standards.”