Whitehead backs Middlesbrough to continue their recent upturn in form

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The former Boro midfielder made 63 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2015 before departing the Riverside Stadium for Huddersfield Town.

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Dean Whitehead has told the Gazette Live that he is confident Aitor Karanka’s side can continue to build upon their recent upturn in form due to the quality that they possess amongst their ranks.

Karanka’s men had endured somewhat of a baptism fire upon their return to the Premier League following seven long-years in the Championship, winning just one of their opening nine games and loitering dangerously at the foot of the table during the early stages of the season.

However, the Teesiders have recently mustered up the perfect response to their underwhelming start, first claiming an impressive away point at The Emirates against Arsene Wenger’s rampant Arsenal, before putting Eddie Howe’s in-form Bournemouth side to the sword in Saturday’s clash at the Riverside Stadium; with terrific goals from Gaston Ramirez and Stewart Downing sealing a richly-deserved 2-0 win.

Four points from two conceivably difficult league encounters has sparked renewed optimism amongst the Middlesbrough ranks, however former fan-favourite Whitehead, who worked under Karanka between 2013 and 2015, has urged the Boro squad to keep their feet on the ground and remain focused.

Speaking to the Gazette Live, the veteran 34-year-old said:

“It’s been a tough start for Boro, they got a few big results in their first few games but they then had a hard few weeks.

“That’s what can happen. It was a few years back when I was in the Premier League and I think (the quality) has gone up a level or three since I was playing.

“But my advice to Boro would be not to get too upset when they get beat, and equally not to get too overjoyed when they win a game. You have to find a happy medium as things can change quickly in that division.

“Boro will win games – that’s a fact, as there’s too many good players in that team and they’re managed by a top manager.”

In Karanka, Boro possess one of the most promising young managers in English football, and Jose Mourinho’s former understudy appears to be slowly but surely getting to grips with the Premier League and what is required to grind out results at the highest level.

Next up for Middlesbrough is a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face a Manchester City outfit that will be brimming with confidence following Tuesday night’s stunning 3-1 victory over Barcelona.

However Karanka’s men showed that they are fully-capable of blunting the league’s most formidable attacking forces during their 0-0 draw at The Emirates just two weeks ago, and the 43-year-old will be hoping for a repeat performance from his resolute Teesiders this weekend.