Hibernian 2 Middlesbrough 3 STEWART DOWNING proved he was over his recent injury problems by emerging through 70 minutes of Middlesbrough’s surprisingly entertaining pre-season friendly victory at Hibernian this afternoon.

But, while satisfied with Downing’s return, there was disappointment for manager Gareth Southgate after witnessing Julio Arca depart on a stretcher in the first half holding his ankle.

The Argentine midfielder was clearly in pain as he lay on the floor after an innocuous looking clash with Hibs’ Joe Keenan just in front of the dug-outs.

It will take Southgate 48 hours to assess the true extent of the problem suffered by Arca, although he will have been encouraged by the return to action of Downing.

The England winger had missed the previous three friendlies – two of which were in the Algarve - with a thigh strain, but he tormented the Hibernian defence every time he got the ball.

And Downing was unfortunate not to score at Easter Road, where he could have actually claimed one in either half.

After the Scottish Premier League outfit – without a goal in their previous five pre-season outings – had taken an early lead through Steven Fletcher’s powerful header, Boro had numerous chances to equalise.

And Downing’s excellent left-footed drive from 22 yards was one of the first; when it forced goalkeeper Andrew McNeil into a fine low save to his left.

Tuncay Sanli and Luke Young had the best opportunities for the visitors in the opening period, although Hibernian were also able to create chances.

And, after Downing was unlucky not to level matters with a terrific right-footed drive after the restart that flew just wide, Hibernian extended their lead.

Fletcher, standing unmarked just outside the area, celebrated after witnessing his low strike work its way beyond Ross Turnbull.

Turnbull, handed another chance to stake a claim for the No 1 shirt, misjudged the shot, which bounced before him, before nestling into his bottom right corner.

That sparked the activity on the bench that sparked the start of the comeback. Afonso Alves and Adam Johnson were introduced for Mido and Tuncay. Thirty-three seconds later and Alves rose at the back post to nod Gary O’Neil’s centre beyond McNeil.

The heads of those in green shirts dropped and Middlesbrough turned the match completely on its head.

Firstly, Johnson’s centre from the right ended with David Wheater forcing the ball over the line to equalise, after a mistake by McNeil.

And then, with their third goal inside seven minutes, Alves was on hand at the back post again to head a deep centre from Rhys Williams – who had just been introduced – beyond McNeil.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Turnbull; Young (Williams 72), Huth, Wheater, Grounds; Aliadiere, Arca (Digard 30), O’Neil (Walker 77), Downing (Bennett 70); Tuncay (Johnson 64), Mido (Alves 64). Subs: Steele.

HIBERNIAN: McNeil; van Zanten, Jones (Canning 83), Hogg, Murray; Sheils, Keenan (Chisholm 74), Thicot (Morais 74), O’Brien (Trialist 46); Fletcher, Nish. Subs: Grof, Stevenson, Campbell.