Stewart Downing’s Middlesbrough future in doubt after training ground bust-up with boss Aitor Karanka
The pair clashed at he end of last season before Karanka walked out and did so again before Man City defeat in FA Cup
STEWART DOWNING and Aitor Karanka have been involved in another heated training ground row.
The Boro boss left Downing out of his squad for the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Saturday before claiming after the match it was because he needed "18 fighters."
And various reports claim the pair had a bust-up in the approach to the game as Downing sought answers as to why he had been left out of the squad.
Downing was linked with a loan move away from Boro in January after falling out of favour.
It was a year ago yesterday that Karanka walked out of the training ground after a row with the winger, who he did not want signed when chairman Steve Gibson agreed to bring the winger back to the club.
Karanka returned and led the club to promotion, but relations between the manager and player have been strained again this year and Downing has started just 13 games.
However, Downing wants to fight for his future at his hometown club, who he rejoined for £5.5million from West Ham in July 2015.
MOST READ IN SPORT
After the defeat to Man City, Karanka said: "Where the players show me that they are ready to play and they are fighting and they are going to fight for the club is on the training ground every day.
"I am with them every day and on Friday, I will always choose at least 18 fighters."