Source: Northern_Echo
Proctor confident Middlesbrough can avoid drop into League One
MIDDLESBROUGH coach Mark Proctor says he is more confident than ever that Boro will escape the drop after overcoming high-flying Millwall at the New Den, in the second of four contests against the promotion challengers.[LNB] The victory provided the Teessiders with the perfect tonic to the previous week's capitulation against Swansea at home and moved Boro seven points clear of the relegation places.[LNB] Middlesbrough welcome leaders QPR to the Riverside this weekend still precariously placed at the wrong end of the table. But, despite only three places separating Boro from the drop zone, Proctor believes his side have nothing to fear in the Championship; how they are relishing the visit of Neil Warnock's side, and how the club are looking up rather than down.[LNB] Since Tony (Mowbray) has come in we have either won or lost by the odd goal, reflected Proctor.[LNB] They've always been tight games. No one has turned us over or given us a particular footballing lesson.[LNB] That has been reassuring.[LNB] We've had a few first half performances that haven't been quite at the level we would have liked but generally it has been good. Hopefully that will continue.[LNB] We went to Leeds and we should have won at Leeds but conceded at the last minute. We've given as good as we've got against all the top teams.[LNB] There is very little between the top and bottom of the league and on our day we are as good as anyone in the league.[LNB] Prior to the victory at Millwall last weekend Boro had lost two games on the bounce.[LNB] But, if they are to ensure Championship football at the Riverside next term, they need to find the consistency they hit pre and post Christmas, which stretched to six games unbeaten.[LNB] Proctor insists the Teessiders can find that form.[LNB] He said: It's just a matter of finding some consistency.[LNB] We're still at the wrong end of the table at the moment and there is a bit of pressure but I think it is something we can deal with it and continue moving up the league.[LNB] I'm confident we can get out of it.[LNB] Meanwhile, Barry Robson and Julio Arca are rated only 50/50 for the visit of QPR on Saturday.[LNB] Midfielders Robson and Arca have not trained this week and have been receiving treatment for their respective thigh, knee and toes injuries.[LNB] Long term victims Willo Flood and Rhys Williams have taken part in training this week but they are still two weeks away from a return to the first team fold.[LNB] The latest person to win a three-year season card was Michael Holroyd, of Stokesley, while Ian Parker is the latest winner of the club's monthly draw for season card holders. He wins a 2011-12 season card.[LNB]
