‘Boro focus is on league

A run of poor results has seen Middlesbrough slip dangerously close to the relegation zone in the top-flight – and their woes have been compounded by revelations that manager Steve McClaren is yet to sign his new contract and stories of dressing-room unrest.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Ricoh Arena, and an expected record crowd at the new stadium, ‘Boro skipper Gareth Southgate said: ‘It’s our Premier League form that is the most pressing issue at the moment.

‘Obviously there are important games coming up against Coventry and Stuttgart, but the league remains our priority.

‘Yes, the situation is not good – but if we are still there in a month’s time we really will be in trouble. The last thing we want is to be involved in a dogfight.

‘The next three games give us chances to pick up some points – but talk is cheap.’