Aitor Karanka: 'I had complete faith in Grant Leadbitter'

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed that he had total confidence that Grant Leadbitter would fire his team to victory from the penalty spot against Queens Park Rangers.

Boro's Championship match against the R's looked to be heading towards a stalemate until Leroy Fer handled in the box and a spot kick was awarded in stoppage time.

Leadbitter held his composure to drill his strike past Robert Green to guide Middlesbrough to the three points to help the club bounce back from their defeat at the hands of Hull City last time out.

Karanka told the club's official website: "I knew that I was at an amazing club and an amazing place, but when we arrived here we were just above a relegation position. Today we played against a team who were in the Premier League last season and they were trying to waste time and we controlled the game.

"Again I'm really pleased because I have a demanding crowd. I was really confident when Grant stepped up to take the penalty because it's not the first time he's had to score an important one, so I trust him a lot. "It was good to win because again it's a good test for us against a team who showed everybody they're a good team without their manager. It was a good test after our defeat against Hull so I'm proud of my players once again."

Middlesbrough moved one point behind Hull and Brighton & Hove Albion in third place in the table.