Blackburn boss Michael O'Neill fancies his side's chances against Middlesbrough this weekend.

Blackburn Rovers will carry ‘extra confidence’ into this weekend’s clash with Middlesbrough following a vital away win at high-flying Millwall.

That’s according to head coach Michael O’Neill, who has been looking ahead to Boro’s visit to Ewood Park on Saturday lunchtime. Rovers have been embroiled in the Championship relegation battle throughout this season, but took a huge step toward safety with a shock 2-1 win at Millwall last week - a result that actually helped Boro, after they could only draw 1-1 at home to Bristol City.

Boro to run into ‘confident’ Blackburn side

That win in London ended a run of just one point from four matches for Blackburn, who now sit 19th in the table and three points clear of the relegation zone. Boro have taken four points from their last two games against Rovers and haven’t conceded a goal during that time.

However, Kim Hellberg’s men have been inconsistent recently, winning just two of their last seven matches right when they’re trying to secure an automatic promotion spot. Blackburn proved last week that they can sting the Championship’s best, and it’s that sort of energy the Lancashire side will call on when facing Boro this weekend.

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"The table looks healthier; it could've looked a lot different, equally,” said O’Neill. "Over seven games, we're three wins, a draw and three defeats. In the Championship, it's decent enough form but we're disappointed with some of the games that we felt we could've taken something from. "The squad have given everything. We are very stretched, players coming back from injury who are being loaded heavily.

"We know how competitive it is down there and it gives us extra confidence going into Middlesbrough. "We beat a team [Millwall] that came in knowing three points puts them in a good position for automatics as well. They're in a very strong position for the play-offs and with lots to play for in their remaining games. "Every three points is valuable regardless of how you get them or who you get them from. I think the most important thing was to get over the 40-point barrier which we are now."

Middlesbrough still sit second going into Saturday’s match, two points ahead of both Ipswich Town and Millwall. However, the former have a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Boro’s two closest promotion rivals go head-to-head in a monumental clash at Portman Road on Saturday, at the same time that Hellberg’s men battle it out at Ewood Park.

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