Kim Hellberg has spoken about the Boro fans ahead of this weekend's vital clash with Portsmouth.

Kim Hellberg has hailed the ‘brilliant’ Middlesbrough supporters ahead of Saturday’s key clash with Portsmouth.

Boro head into the weekend in the midst of a five-game winless run, during which they’ve taken just three points and slipped to third in the table. They now sit behind Ipswich Town on goal difference, with the Tractor Boys still holding two games in hand - ahead of the two sides locking horns at Portman Road next week.

But before thinking about taking on Ipswich, the Teessiders must navigate this weekend’s clash against a Pompey side battling relegation, but boosted in confidence after snatching late draws in their last two games.

Kim Hellberg praises ‘brilliant’ Boro fans

Wasted chances has been the theme of Boro’s poor recent run, with Hellberg’s side outshooting their opponents over the last five games by a staggering 126 to 37, but scoring just four goals during that time.

That has left plenty of supporters frustrated, not to mention apprehensive about what it means for Boro’s automatic promotion hopes. However, Hellberg insists the fans he’s encountered have remained supportive, praising the ‘affection’ he’s been shown for Boro’s style of play.

"The supporters I have met have been brilliant, so proud of the team, proud of how we play, and they have been so supportive," Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees.

"Overall, it might sound weird, but what I get from everyone is a lot of affection for how we play, how we act, how the team has created opportunities. And mainly the last thing everyone says is it has to turn and that's where you still believe, but you have to make it turn, and that's what we're trying to do."

On Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth at the Riverside Stadium, Hellberg added: "It's all about winning the game, that's the most important thing.

"With different players out, quality players out, different players in different positions, without the momentum of winning games, we have kept playing great football and creating opportunities and we have to take great belief out of that."

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