Tony Pulis: 'Middlesbrough have nothing to lose'

Manager Tony Pulis has suggested that Middlesbrough are under no pressure to overcome Aston Villa in the Championship semi-finals.

Middlesbrough are looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, but the North-East outfit trail Villa by a 1-0 scoreline after the first leg.

Pulis has claimed that Villa's "strong position" in the tie means that Boro can focus on trying to "enjoy" the occasion of the second leg on Tuesday night.

The 60-year-old is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "I'm not concerned about Aston Villa. I'm more concerned about us and the way we play, and what we're trying to achieve. That's the most important thing – that we turn up and are a little bit more clinical in the final third.

"My mindset is to get out there and we have got nothing to lose. Villa are in a strong position. Everybody is talking about Villa and saying they're favourites, so let's get out there and enjoy it and give it our best."

The winners of the tie will go on to meet Fulham in the final at Wembley Stadium.