Lee Bowyer fully believes his old team-mate Jonathan Woodgate will turn things around at Middlesbrough.

Woodgate, who played with Bowyer at Leeds United and Newcastle United, has come under pressure this season as Boro have performed below expectations and hover around the relegation zone.

But a vital 1-0 win at home to Charlton, thanks to George Saville’s strike inside a minute, helped to ease concerns at the Riverside Stadium.

The two met for the first time as managers on Saturday since ending their respective playing careers, and Bowyer gave Woodgate his full backing to get them back on track.

READ: Bowyer singles out the 'only positive' from Boro defeat

“Do I expect him to get it right? Oh yeah, 100 per cent,” he said. “For me, he's doing a good job.

“To have everything cut back the way it has, from what was on offer to the previous managers, I think he's doing a good job.

“He was shopping in windows where most teams don't in this division so his budget has been cut a lot.

“I speak to him all the time and it's been difficult [for him]. But I know Jonathan and Robbie [Keane, Boro's assistant manager], they'll get it right, and if today is anything to go by then they're doing things the right way.

“Their football team is trying to play football and their players are working hard for him. I've no doubt he'll get it right.”

READ: How every Charlton player rated against Middlesbrough

Bowyer added that nothing but his “pride” was hurt in the defeat and downplayed suggestions the loss rankled more than any other.

Asked whether Woodgate will mention it when they meet each other after the match, he said: “Yeah, he should do because I would have!

“We have a good relationship and he'll be respectful. I'll go and see him now after the game, in his office, and he'll be respectful, but his team had done well today and they deserved to win.”