Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate optimistic despite defeat

Jonathan Woodgate has claimed that Middlesbrough still have plenty to be optimistic about following their defeat to Watford.

Boro had their automatic promotion hopes dented at Vicarage Road on Monday as they were beaten 2-0 by their rivals.

Despite failing to break into the top two, Woodgate insists that he and his teammates are still capable of finishing the season on a high.

"Watford wasn't the result we were looking for obviously, but let's not forget where we are," he told the club's official website. "We're right up there in the mix and we're there on merit. Yesterday we were beaten by a better team on the day.

"Let's face it, if we said at pre-season training we'd be where we are we'd have taken it. Watford were better than us on the day. Their strikers have over 50 goals between them and they played well."

Boro continue their Championship campaign on Saturday when they host struggling Rotherham United.