Sunday 29 January 2017 23:58, UK
Middlesbrough defender Fabio is convinced Stewart Downing still has a contribution to make at the Riverside.
Former Manchester United full-back Fabio has played with and against the 32-year-old midfielder and has seen what he has to offer at close hand.
Downing's future on Teesside looked to be in doubt earlier this month amid speculation he could be sent out on loan.
But his stunning winner and all-round performance in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup fourth round victory over Sky Bet League Two side Accrington proved he still has a lot to contribute.
"He is very important to the team, he is very experienced. I think I played against him eight years ago, so he's so experienced and, of course, important for the team," said Fabio.
"He'll be needed, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room and on the training ground, so he's a very important and experienced player for us."
When Fabio first came across Downing, he was an out-and-out winger, but the 26-year-old Brazilian has seen his game change during the intervening years, with then West Ham boss Sam Allardyce playing him in a central role to good effect.
"He's 32 so he will have lost a little bit of pace, but he compensates with the other skills he has and he's still a great player," added Fabio.
"He is intelligent, you know? He is very good with the ball and he strikes the ball very well. He's a fantastic player."
Downing's appearance against Accrington at the weekend was his first start since the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on New Year's Eve and he took full advantage, with head coach Aitor Karanka later insisting he will come into consideration for Premier League games.
Boro's next top-flight game is against West Brom at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday evening.
