Jason Steele: 'Middlesbrough are ready for Premier League'

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele believes that his side's recent performances in the League Cup show they are ready for the Premier League.

Boro have enjoyed a strong run in the competition, beating Premier League side Sunderland before being knocked out by Swansea City on Wednesday night.

However, despite the disappointment, Steele has claimed that the performances prove they are ready for promotion this season.

"I thought that Wednesday night showed we are ready, we just have to get out of the league we are in," said the England Under-21 international.

"It shows we can contend in the Premier League and more than hold our own for 90 minutes.

"We did that against Sunderland and we did that at Swansea in my opinion."

Steele played in Boro's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.