Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has insisted that his side cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion to the Premier League and seize their chance in the playoffs.
The North-East outfit saw their opportunity to secure a top-two finish in the Championship effectively end following their defeat to Fulham last week alongside Bournemouth's victory over Bolton Wanderers, leaving them to battle it out in the playoffs.
However, the Spaniard has called for focus from his side to appreciate their position in the light of Wigan Athletic's relegation to League One, having played in the playoffs just last season.
Karanka told Sports Mole: "It's a good question, it's a very good lesson for us and the club as a whole. Brighton & Hove Albion played in the playoffs two seasons ago, Wigan were in the Premier League two seasons ago.
"We need to live, we need to enjoy this experience because it was very hard to get into this position. We need to be positive, but we need to acknowledge how important it is to be in the playoffs."
Middlesbrough face Brighton on the final day of the regular campaign at the Riverside Stadium.
Simon Sinclair
