Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer has praised Aitor Karanka’s refusal to be drawn on Boro’s reported interest in Jordan Rhodes.
The in-demand striker scored two goals - taking his tally to three in two games - as Rovers beat Charlton 3-1 on Saturday.
The win leaves Blackburn eight points adrift of sixth-placed Brentford.
The Gazette understands that the Lancashire club are reluctant to allow Rhodes to leave while there’s an outside chance of claiming a play-off position.
Defeat to Brentford tomorrow night at Ewood Park would leave Rovers 11 points adrift of the top six and with just eight games to play, surely consign the club to another season in the Championship.
That could open the door for Boro, who are believed to have agreed a loan deal with Blackburn for Rhodes which would become permanent in the summer.
© CameraSport 
Middlesbrough's manager Aitor Karanka greets Gary Bowyer
Karanka has played a straight bat to any questions about Boro’s alleged interest and Bowyer appreciates his stance.
He’s been less impressed with rival bosses who have spoken on the record about the 25-year-old hitman.
Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman confirmed that he’s made an approach for Rhodes and Derby boss Steve McClaren said Rovers would be “crazy” to allow the striker to leave.
Bowyer has said all along that as far as he is concerned, Rhodes would be going nowhere.
He added: “One or two managers conducted their business publiclly, which I think is poor.
“I think Mr Karanka was outstanding in his press conference when he didn’t want to talk about Jordan Rhodes. Full respect to him for that.”
The final decision on Rhodes’ future will come down to the club’s Indian owners.
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