What impressed Cardiff City boss Neil Harris against Middlesbrough and former Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock

The Bluebirds ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at the Riverside and now only need a point against relegation-threatened Hull City next week to finish in the play-offs.

There was a lot of talk before the game about former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock coming up against his former side, yet the Bluebirds came out on top in nearly every department.

“It was a tough game, a tough place to come,” said Harris after the match.

“There was a lot made of coming up here and Neil being in charge and what he achieved with us and sometimes you worry that it might take the focus away from us and what we’re trying to achieve on the pitch.

“I use the word professional because it was professional, it was a tough encounter, a physical game, a lot of balls into our box, a lot of second balls to deal with and I thought we stood strong.

“It was a big win, it was a huge game. We knew it was monumental for us.”

Harris was well aware of the challenges his side could face with Warnock in the opposite dugout, yet the result rarely looked in doubt after Sean Morrison’s early opener.

Second-half goals from substitute Josh Murphy put the result beyond doubt, before Boro striker Britt Assombalonga grabbed a late consolation goal for the Teessiders.

“With the mix of playing against the old Gaffer it adds an element of spice to the game,” Harris added.

"Neil Warnock sides are tough to play against. Credit to my players for having the bravery to get the ball down and play and also match up against the physical element.

“My lads were professional and there were some lovely passages of play. I’m delighted with the points.

“We’ve come away from home, won again and put in an assured performance. I thought the players delivered the game plan.”

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