Stewart Downing calls for unity as Middlesbrough prepare for vital game against Stoke

Stewart Downing has called for unity as Middlesbrough look to halt their alarming slump towards the relegation zone.

Aitor Karanka's side have not won in nine Premier League matches - a run stretching back to December - and Saturday's defeat against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace left them above the relegation zone only on goal difference

Boro winger Downing told the club's website: "We have to stick together. It's easy to feel sorry for yourselves when you lose games and you're down there.

"But it's about where we are at the end of the season, so we just have to forget this result and get on with getting points as soon as we can."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The result at Selhurst Park leaves Boro in desperate need of a victory when they travel to Stoke City this weekend.

"We've got a big game for us next week and a chance to put that right," said Downing.

"We have to do what Palace have done - bounce back. We'll go to Stoke to get a result, and we have home games to come as well."