He urged Boro fans to get behind the team, Mark Schwarzer in particular, who he insists is still his No.1 keeper, after his error cost Boro a vital point last week at West ham
“It’s important that the crowd get behind him and most important that they get behind the team and make sure there are no repercussions from last Saturday.” he said.
Phil Stamp, Mark Wilson and Hamilton Ricard are still missing through injury but Gianluca Festa returns from suspension. New signing Michael Debeve has also been added to the squad but is unlikely to start due to lack of match fitness.
There are no further injury worries so it is likely that Boro will field the same team, for the third match running.
Meanwhile, Paul Ince has put on hold discussions about his future, until Boro are safe.
there has been much speculation over the last two months regarding Ince’s future but today the 33-year-old revealed: "I’ve decided to try and get the lads safe first, win the games, get them safe, and go from there."
"The most important thing for me is not whether I stay here next season or go, it’s making sure Middlesbrough Football Club are in the Premiership. I’ll talk with Steve and see what goes from there. I can’t promise I’ll be here next year."
"I’ve had a great time here and would like to stay, but you don’t know in football do you? The main objective at the moment is the well-being of Middlesbrough FC."