Source: Eurosport
Bates confident of Boro survival
Matthew Bates believes that Middlesbrough will not be relegated after his team defeated Hull at the Riverside on Saturday.
The 22-year-old midfielder scored a crucial goal against Phil Brown's men as Boro gained three valuable points, moving them to within two of 17th-placed Sunderland.
Hull's defeat means that they have been dragged deeper into the relegation fight.
Bates recognises how important the victory was and says that the team's fighting spirit will be enough to ensure they are playing Premier League football next season.
"It's given us a lifeline," he said.
"It's a massive three points and it drags a few teams nearer. There is still a long way to go but we're in a healthier situation.
"I still don't think we'll go down and there are a lot of teams who still can be relegated.
"We've been written off but the players are desperate to stick together and fight our way through it."
