Downing backed as Middlesbrough penalty taker  Stewart Downing
was told to stay on the spot after his courageous season saver
against Arsenal.  Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will be
delighted to see the England winger take future penalties after
Downing's successful first for the club in the 2-1 defeat of the
Gunners.  Southgate knows that Downing displayed exceptional
courage to accept the responsibility.  Southgate told the
Evening Gazette: "Stewart asked the question two or three weeks
ago as to who would take the penalties.  "He made it clear that
he wanted to take them and that was fine by me. You need penalty
takers who want to step forward to take them.  "Sunday's penalty
was a crucial moment for us in many ways.  "If you don't score
in those situations then all the old fears come to light again.
"But Stewart showed lots of courage to take it and you could see
the huge difference it made to our performance.  "We've not
actually sat down and stipulated who will take penalties but if
Stewart wants