Aitor Karanka hails Middlesbrough attitude ahead of Championship opener

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has praised his team's attitude ahead of the new Championship season.

The North-East outfit recorded a 1-0 victory over Getafe in their final pre-season match thanks to Kike's strike.

Although he was pleased to earn a win in their final match before the start of the new campaign, the Spaniard has admitted that he was more impressed with the character of his team.

"Again, it's not about the score," Karanka told the club's official website. "The team did really well and they had a good attitude.

"We were competing against a good team and I think they will have a very good season in Spain with a new manager who's doing a terrific job.

"I'm very pleased but again, it's not about the score – it's the attitude that we showed."

Middlesbrough open their Championship campaign against Preston North End next Sunday.