Derby County boss Steve McClaren believes Boro are one of EIGHT teams vying for Championship promotion this season.
The Rams currently lead the way at the summit, two points ahead of Aitor Karanka’s Boro ahead of this weekend’s matches.
Both Derby and Boro face tricky away fixtures tomorrow against Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, and any slip-up could see the chasing pack gain valuable ground.
Only two points separate third-placed Ipswich with Brentford in seventh, while Wolves are marching towards the top six and are five points off Watford.
McClaren believes any of the current top eight are capable of winning promotion.
“There are seven strong teams at the top and Wolves just behind, so eight good teams and any of them can put a run together,” McClaren told the Derby Telegraph.
“We have to keep our composure, that is key.
“This league is tough. Look at Middlesbrough. If you go to Manchester City and win, as they did in the FA Cup, you’re not a bad side.
“So the quality in this division is good. I think it has improved on last season.
“That is credit to the likes of ourselves and the others up there for the style of football being played.
“Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford and Brentford play great football. It is entertaining and there are a lot of good players on show.”
Boro head to Hillsborough tomorrow without striker Jelle Vossen, who is still missing with the head injury picked up against Leeds last weekend.
Defender Dani Ayala remains on the treatment table after sustaining a thigh injury at Blackpool, while right-back Damia Abella is nearing a first-team return after five months out with a cruciate.
But Mustapha Carayol could make his Boro comeback from the bench, after he was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Bolton.
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