'Promotion race will go down to the wire', claims Boro midfielder Adam Clayton

Adam Clayton insists Boro will not endure a post-Arsenal hangover as they look to regain top spot in the Championship.

Boro’s FA Cup exploits at the weekend allowed title rivals Bournemouth to go top of the table on goal difference, having played one match more.

Aitor Karanka’s side will return to the summit on tomorrow night if they can claim three points at Birmingham - and Clayton expects the team to quickly move on from Sunday’s defeat at the Emirates.

“We’re obviously disappointed but the last words from the manager was that we’ve got 16 games left in the league to concentrate on.

“I think (the promotion race) will go right down to the wire, it’s never usually easy is it? We’d all love to be 10 points clear with five games to go but I can’t see that being the case.

“We just have to keep winning and keep it in our hands.

“I don’t think anyone will be too down (after the Arsenal defeat). We played one of the best teams in the country, so we’ll hold our heads high. We weren’t embarrassed and it was a good day out for the fans.

“I expect another tough game (tomorrow) as Birmingham have done well under the new boss. But we’ve got a great squad and I’m sure we’ll utilise that like we did at Blackpool, and hopefully get the same result.”

The games continue to come thick and fast for Boro in a hectic February schedule, with tomorrow’s trip to St Andrew’s quickly followed by a lunchtime showdown with Leeds United at the Riverside.

That match will no doubt take on extra significance for Clayton, who spent two years at Elland Road, but the midfielder insists it doesn’t matter who Boro face - the ultimate goal remains exactly the same.

“I’ve been in the Championship for four or five years and all you want to do is play a match then recover, play another match and then recover.

“The more games we play the better. I think I’m doing alright and we’re all trying to do the things the manager wants us to do.

“We’ve got a tough game against Birmingham, followed by another big one against Leeds on Saturday.

“But there’s more important things than me having used to play for a club.

“We want to get promoted so regardless of who we’re playing, we want the three points.

“I enjoyed my time at Leeds but hopefully we can beat them on Saturday.”