Stewart Downing believes it would not be easy for Everton to get past his team Middlesbrough in the Round of 4 in League Cup.
Middlesbrough, bubbling with confidence at the moment having eliminated the mighty Red Devils in the quarters, will face Everton at the Riverside Stadium.
Despite the fact that it would be their home game, Boro would not be the favourites going into it.
However, according to Downing, the opposition should be concerned of them considering their performances of late.
The 31-year old winger, who had struck successfully for Middlesbrough in the penalty shootouts against Manchester United the other day at Old Trafford, said, “Everton is a strong team, but, it would take them their best game if they are to emerge victorious on Tuesday.”
“We are in a positive mood. We’ve done well in all tournaments and have proved that we don’t panic facing big teams. United had put a pretty strong XI out on the park. But, we tested them big time and if luck had gone our way, we might as well have been able to finish the match in 90 minutes itself without needing the shootouts.”
When asked if earning promotion to the top division is a bigger goal for Middlesbrough than to win the Cup, Downing said, “Well, making the League is of course something that is the top priority, but, it does not mean we are looking to go easy in the Cup matches. When you are in the semis, you have to go for glory.”
“I can’t really tell you right now. The boss might look to rotate, but, whatever XI we go with, it would be good enough to run Everton close, that I can assure you.”
Middlesbrough has been having a fine run in the Championship too as they are sitting second in the standings presently with 39 points in 19 games.