With just five matches of their season left to play, Boro need to overcome a cavernous eleven points gap on sixth place Bournemouth, who also have a midweek game in hand to play.
Speaking after Saturday's loss, Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock took a pop at the Tykes when questioned on their playing style by a local reporter, and said: “They deserve everything they get for the maximum amount of running that they’re doing but I don’t think my lads would enjoy playing in the team. I don’t think Paddy McNair would fit in or Grant Hall, or Jonny Howson.
“Like I said there’s no divine right, I hope they go up me, I love it here but I’m glad I’ve only got to come once. You have to report on it every week.
“They don’t think about anything but hoofing it straight away do they, there’s no bringing it down and trying to play.”
Next up, Boro will look to bounce back this weekend, when they take on QPR at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday - a game which will be moved from its 3pm original kick-off time so as not to clash with the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.
1. Leeds backed to woo Buendia
Football pundit Paddy Kenny has claimed Norwich City's £40m-rated ace Emi Buendia would struggle to turn Leeds United down, if they make a move for him. He's also been linked with Aston Villa and Arsenal recently. (Football Insider) Photo: Stephen Pond
2. Rovers eye Morecambe sensation
Blackburn Rovers have emerged as rivals to Rangers in the race to sign Morecambe winger Carlos Mendez Gomes. The 22-year-old has scored 12 times this season, playing a key role in his side's push for promotion to League One. (Mirror) Photo: George Wood
3. Royal loan man wants Benfica return
Reading loanee Tomas Esteves has revealed his main ambition is to break into the Porto side next season, suggesting he has no desire to join the Royals permanently. His current team are just two points off the play-off places. (Sport Witness) Photo: Tony Marshall
4. Boro's Evans hopes dashed
Preston North End have ended Middlesbrough's hopes of signing striker Ched Evans this summer, by tying the ex-Wales international down until 2023. He's scored three goals since arriving at Deepdale in January. (Club website) Photo: Marc Atkins