As things stand, Boro look set for a comfortable top-half finish, but could slip as low as 13th if they don't finish their season with a couple of solid results.
Speaking after last weekend's confident 3-1 win over relegation-battlers Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough teenager Josh Coburn thanked his manager for having faith in him, following a game that saw him score his first goal for the club. He said: “I’m pretty speechless really, it’s what dreams are made of.
All through the academy you just dream of this, it’s a shame the fans aren’t here but it’s obviously good to get the three points as well.. “He’s (Warnock) been massive for me to be fair.
“He’s put me in with the first team, helped me with little things in training, just little movements and stuff and obviously that’s where the goal came from. Obviously I scored the goal and it’s all thanks to him for giving me the opportunity.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to this weekend's action continues:
5. Battle for Paterson heats up
Millwall, Stoke City, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest have all been credited with an interest in Bristol City winger Jamie Paterson. The 29-year-old will be up for grabs at the end of the season, once his contract with the Robins expires. (Football Insider) Photo: Alex Burstow
6. Duo target Portsmouth starlet
Watford could be set to go head to head with Brighton to sign Portsmouth starlet Charlie Bell in the next transfer window. The 18-year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer, and won't be extending his stay with the League One side. (The News) Photo: Naomi Baker
7. Ipswich could re-sign Rhodes
Ipswich Town have emerged as contenders to sign Sheffield Wednesday's £10m striker Jordan Rhodes, ahead of Huddersfield Town and Cardiff. He began his career with Ipswich, before joining the Terriers back in 2009, where he scored 87 goals. (Football League World) Photo: Alex Livesey
8. Hornets ready raid for Ugbo
Watford are believed to be plotting a summer raid for Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo, who has scored 16 goals on loan with Cercle Brugge this season. Fulham, Monaco and CSKA Moscow could pose stiff competition, however. (Sport Witness) Photo: KURT DESPLENTER