Pogatetz stresses duo importance

Emanuel Pogatetz is hopeful Stewart Downing and Tuncay Sanli stay at Boro, while Adam Johnson is 'flattered' by Real Madrid's interest.

The Middlesbrough skipper has spoken out following recent speculation linking England international left-winger, Downing, with a move to Tottenham, while Premier League title hopefuls Chelsea were reportedly looking at taking Turkish international Tuncay from the Riverside.

Pogatetz says it is imperative that Boro keep hold of their two best players and is confident they will both be still on Teesside after the January transfer window slams shut at 5pm on Monday February 2.

"He (Downing) looks happy, and he played well against Arsenal and hopefully he will stay here," Pogatetz told Sky Sports News.

"It is important, those sort of players can make a difference, so hopefully we can keep them."

Meanwhile 21-year-old left-sided midfielder Johnson, who is behind Downing in the first-team pecking order, has spoken of his 'honour' at being linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"It is a great honour that Madrid have set their sights on me and I feel very flattered," he told AS.

"Last summer there was a lot of talk about me joining Tottenham and I know that Juande sent various scouts to see me in different games last season.

"Also I know that now he has gone to Madrid and that they are looking for wide players to sign in January."