Stewart Downing has revealed his delight after helping Middlesbrough record a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

A first-half brace from Cristhian Stuani saw Boro secure a comfortable lead at the Stadium of Light and they held on for the win despite Patrick van Aanholt hitting back for Sunderland 20 minutes from time.

Downing has insisted that his team were prepared for 'a difficult match' as they battled their way to "a massive three points".

"It was always going to be difficult. Credit to Sunderland for coming back into it, but it was a massive three points," Downing told Sky Sports News.

"The timing of the second goal was very important. Right throughout the team we defended well, I was disappointed we conceded, but it was three massive points for us and that is four for the season now."

Downing, 32, re-joined Boro from West Ham United in 2015 after initially representing the Riverside club between 2001 and 2009.