Stewart Downing pleased with 'valuable point'

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has revealed his delight after his team were able to gain a 'very valuable point' in Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash with West Ham United.

Boro entered the match off the back of three straight league defeats, but secured a point courtesy of Christian Stuani's close-range header, which was cancelled out by Dimitri Payet in the 1-1 draw.

Downing has paid tribute to Payet's goal, but admits that his side "have to be switched on at all times" if they are to avoid being involved in a relegation battle in the Premier League this season.

"The point is very valuable. We lost our last three matches so any point is vital. It was a good goal by Payet but we should have done better. We have to be switched on at all times," Downing told BBC Sport.

Middlesbrough will return to league action after the international break with a trip to Watford.