Middlesbrough boss plays down importance of being top of the league

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has played down the significance of being top of the league at this stage of the season, after his side beat Millwall tonight.

Goals from Patrick Bamford, Kike and Jelle Vossen helped the North-East club to their 19th win of the season, and Karanka is already looking ahead to their trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He told reporters: "Whether we are first, second or third is not important now. The best thing is that we have one game less and three more points.

"I am very proud of my players. After the game at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday we knew it would be difficult, but their response was perfect. Now we have to recover as soon as possible because we have a very tough game at Nottingham Forest on Saturday."

Middlesbrough are one point clear of Derby County at the top of the Championship table.