Stewart Downing is refusing to give up on his Middlesbrough career despite a reported training ground disagreement with coach Aitor Karanka.
Downing and Karanka had a difference of opinion during the buildup to Saturday's FA Cup sixth-round clash with Manchester City, PA Sport reported.
The former England international did not make the matchday squad and, when asked about the exclusion of both Downing and January signing Patrick Bamford, Karanka spoke of a need for "18 fighters."
Sources on Teesside said Downing, reportedly disgruntled to have been left out the squad for Premier League trip to Stoke on March 4, raised the issue with Karanka and received a blunt response.
The coach said after the City game: "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."
However, Press Association Sport reported that although Downing feels he is taking a disproportionate share of the blame for Boro's failings, he is determined to force his way back into contention.
He has started only 13 league games to date this season, the last of them at left wing-back against Crystal Palace following George Friend's late withdrawal, and was made available for loan during the January window.
Although there was significant interest, although Boro would not allow him to join a direct rival and he was unwilling to return to the Championship.
Middlesbrough have slipped to 19th place in the Premier League and are three points from safety with 11 fixtures remaining.
