Aitor Karanka: 'Kike growing in confidence at Middlesbrough'

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has put Kike's impressive start to the campaign down to his new-found confidence.

The 25-year-old has netted three league goals in the same number of outings this term to help Boro up to fifth place.

After seeing Kike find the net in Tuesday night's meeting with fellow promotion chasers Derby County, Karanka reserved special praise for his prolific marksman.

"He's more confident," he told the club's official website. "He knows the league better now and he knows the players. He knows more English and he can communicate better.

"It's not about [Christian] Stuani or any other players who have come in because Kike started to score goals against Barnsley in pre-season."

Kike struck 12 goals in 51 appearances for Middlesbrough in all competitions last season after joining from Spanish side Real Murcia.