STEWART DOWNING knows it will not get any easier this afternoon as Boro prepare to face the Latics.

Many people have had sympathy with Boro in recent weeks saying they have deserved better returns than their results on paper suggest.

Last weekend was yet another performance where Gareth Southgate's men dominated play but failed to get the ball in the back of the net.

"It's no good feeling sorry for ourselves," said the England international. "We haven't had the rub of the green but there is no use going over and over it - it's in the past.

"Wigan will certainly not be doing us any favours today. They're in great form and it's going to be a very difficult game."

Downing will face Lee Cattermole for the first time this afternoon but insists the players can't concentrate on their old team-mate.

"Catts is a quality player but as we've seen, they've got quality all around the park.

"If we target one or two players then we'll get punished. It has to be an all round team display if we are going to get a result."

Downing is set to lead out his Boro for the second time because of Emanuel Pogatetz's suspension and feels he can record his first win as captain.

"We have a lot of good players here, players who can hurt teams. If we can stop them playing, we definitely have the quality to get three points."