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Middlesbrough interim boss Steve Agnew insists his side still have 'fighting spirit' ahead of Burnley clash

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.

Middlesbrough's interim head coach Steve Agnew is determined to ignore the doom-mongers
Middlesbrough's interim head coach Steve Agnew is determined to ignore the doom-mongers
Boro's midweek defeat at Hull left them seven points from safety with just eight games to go
Boro's midweek defeat at Hull left them seven points from safety with just eight games to go

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.