Boro have laid solid platform for success

Defenders George Friend, Andre Bikey and Seb Hines (all hamstring) and Justin Hoyte (hip) and midfielders Josh McEachran (ankle), Emmanuel Ledesma (knee) and Faris Haroun (hamstring) are all doubts for this afternoon’s game against the Rams.

Despite selection adversity in recent weeks, with a virus even afflicting several players before the recent game at Leeds, Boro have kept on course and remain in the thick of the automatic promotion shake-up.

While loathe to make predictions, Mowbray feels his side have provided themselves with a good platform for a successful 2013 as they bid to end their exile from the Premier League.

He said: “We are a point outside the top two and we are now on the run-in.

“We are 10 points ahead of the team in seventh so they are probably going to have to win four more than us before the end of the season. So if we continue as we have done so far, that is going to be a big ask for any team.”

Expecting a difficult afternoon today, Mowbray, whose side were thumped 3-0 at Blackpool as they started 2012 with a whimper, added: “Derby are a youthful team with a lot of energy but they are striving for consistency.

“It will be a very tough game with near enough 30,000 in Pride Park, which creates a great atmosphere and drives them on.

“We went there and won last season – can we do it again? We’ll give it our very best shot against an energetic, hungry young team.

“We have to be organised and try and give them problems.”

Last six games: Derby County DLLWWL; Middlesbrough WWLWLW.

Referee: D Whitestone (Northampton).

Last time: Derby County 0 Middlesbrough 1; April 14, 2012; Championship.