Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate has THIS message for Boro fans ahead of Championship relegation 'dog-fight'

Last weekend’s impressive away day win over fellow strugglers Charlton saw Boro leapfrog the Addicks and climb two points clear of the relegation zone with nine games to play.

But ahead of the visit of Swansea City on Saturday, Woodgate is urging people to keep their feet on the ground in what could prove a nervy few weeks.

“There are some important games coming up. Every single game is important and we’ve got nine left,” said the Boro boss.

“But all I’m thinking about is the Swansea game. That’s the thing in the forefront of my mind at the minute: Swansea. Nothing else apart from that.

“It was big to get the win at Charlton, confidence wise, for everyone at this club, including the fans. It’s been a difficult season.

“And now we are looking to win the next game. And that’s Swansea.”

Boro might be out the bottom three for now, but Woodgate is under no illusions about the task facing his side between now and May.

He continued: “We are out of the bottom three but we are still in the dog-fight and results can change things quickly.

“We’ve got three games in a week and the next one is Swansea and that’s all I’m thinking about.

“That’s another big game – but if we win it it we are not out of the dog-fight. Let’s not get carried away.

“Yes, I think we could have done better at times, that’s without question.

“You roll your sleeves up and you move on.”

One player who has been influential in recent weeks is Rudy Gestede, with the striker producing a goal and an assist as Boro claimed four points from their last six.

“Rudy has come in and made a big contribution in recent weeks,” said Woodgate.

“I left him out a few weeks ago and his response was brilliant – that’s what I want from senior players. Likewise Adam Clayton. I left him out and he got on with it like good pros do and forced his way back into the team.”