Ryan Fredericks expects tomorrow’s duel with Birmingham to be just as difficult as Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal.
A quick-fire brace by Olivier Giroud ended Boro’s FA Cup dream at the Emirates, but Aitor Karanka’s men more than held their own in the second half.
But there’s no time for reflection as Boro prepare to lock horns with a Birmingham side rejuvenated under new boss Gary Rowett.
Fredericks, 22, expects the match at St Andrew’s to be a different kind of duel to Sunday, but says Boro will have to rise to the challenge.
“We were up against it at Arsenal but there were spells when we looked like we belonged out there,” the on-loan Spurs defender said.
“We believe we do belong (in the Premier League) and hopefully we will be next season.
“I’m expecting another difficult game at Birmingham. It will be different to Arsenal because no team in the country in any league will keep the ball as well as they did.
“But it will be just as tough. We’ll have to battle it out and hopefully get the three points.”
Fredericks has impressed during his spell on Teesside, and has recovered from an eight-week injury lay-off at the perfect time.
Karanka’s side face four matches in the next 11 days, meaning a good run of form could go some way to bolstering Boro’s promotion bid.
“Footballers want to play matches and we want to play teams like Arsenal week in, week out next season,” Fredericks added.
“So we’re ready for the next few weeks. Three points against Birmingham would make everyone feel a lot better.
“I’m really enjoying my time here. There’s a few Londoners at the club and I already knew a couple of the lads before, obviously Woody and Albert (Adomah).
“But all the boys have taken me in and I feel part of the team.
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