Stewart Downing pays tribute to Middlesbrough fans affected by Redcar steel plant closure

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has called on his teammates to win their upcoming game against Fulham and bring cheer to Boro fans affected by the "devastating" Redcar steel plant closure.

The end of Teesside's 98-year steel production was confirmed on Monday, with over 2,000 people made redundant by the closure.

Downing told BBC Sport: "It's big news on Teesside. I've got a couple of friends who have lost their jobs.

"It's devastating for the area. It's been going for many years and it's been going around the training ground, a lot of people talking about it.

"Hopefully we can brighten up their week with a win at the weekend [against Fulham]. We can play our part and win games, and they can keep coming to support us and we can give them something to cheer about."

Boro, second in the Championship table, host Fulham on Saturday afternoon.