Middlesbrough veteran Jonathan Woodgate plays up playoff final importance

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate has described the upcoming Championship playoff final as the "biggest game for the club for a long, long time".

Boro will end a six-season stay in the second tier and return to the Premier League if they overcome Norwich City at Wembley on Monday.

"This is the biggest game for the club for a long, long time, the final one of the season and we need to win it," former Real Madrid defender Woodgate told the club website.

The centre-back, 35, is in his second spell at the club and feels that it is hard to compare Monday's game with when Boro reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

"You can't really compare these games," he added. "This game is to get into the Premier League for however many millions, but for the players it's not about the money. It's about playing at the top level.

"The UEFA Cup final was about winning a big trophy for the club. It's different stuff. If we get in the Premier League, it's a big achievement."

Woodgate only made six starts this season, but his one goal was a key late winner at Blackpool in February.