Jonathan Woodgate's bullish message and honest admission ahead of Leeds United clash

Boro won four consecutive games over the festive period but are just three points above the drop zone following Saturday’s defeat at Barnsley.

The Teessiders face a promotion-chasing Leeds side at the Riverside on Wednesday night, and Woodgate knows his side must improve.

"Maybe we got a bit complacent, maybe we thought we were clear of relegation,” said Woodgate. “I never thought that myself.

"We know we are in a battle and have to role our sleeves up quick."

Boro haven’t won for eight league games, yet Woodgate isn’t getting bogged down by recent results.

"Leeds are an exceptional team and they have proved that for the majority of the season but we can beat them. I know a lot of Boro fans think we can’t but I think we can and the players think we can.

“We beat West Brom, beat Preston, drew with Fulham, drew with Bristol City. We have played the bigger teams and done okay against them.”

Woodgate is also confident his side can produce a better performance than their previous meeting with Leeds in November when the Whites won 4-0 at Elland Road.

“It was a really disappointing game,” added Woodgate. “I’d say that was really the time when we got together and showed we can put a run of results together because our performances were better after the Leeds game.

“We will put a better show on than we did at Elland Road."