Middlesbrough's interim head coach Steve Agnew is determined to ignore the doom-mongers who predict his side are destined for a quick return to the Championship after just one season in the top-flight.
Boro's midweek defeat at Hull left them seven points from safety with just eight games to go as they head into their crucial Riverside Stadium clash with Burnley.
But Agnew insists belief levels have not dipped since he replaced Aitor Karanka in charge last month - and that the united front they forged during last season's promotion campaign can serve them well.
Agnew said: "I have enough intelligence to know what is being written and I understand that, but at times like this my full focus is on preparing for Burnley and nothing is going to get in the way of that.
Steve Agnew insists Middlesbrough can still stay up ahead of visit of Burnley
