Middlesbrough v Millwall: Boro have come long way, says Karanka

Boro are experiencing a wobble in their quest for promotion, having lost two of their last three matches after their cup exit to Arsenal – going down to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United in consecutive weekends.

The pressure is on ahead of tonight’s clash with lowly Millwall, with Boro fans mindful of a tough run-in to the end of the season which features trips to promotion rivals Derby County, Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City, along with a game at rejuvenated Nottingham Forest and a home clash with Ipswich Town.

But the Boro head coach is adamant his side are punching above their weight.

He said: “If we were in this position having spent a lot of money on big, big players, then you could say that’s only to be expected because we have spent a lot of money – but we have spent nothing.

“The money we have spent is the money we received when we sold players at the start of the season, so with the same budget last season, we were just above the relegation position when I came here. Now we are second.”

Karanka has confirmed Boro are considering taking action over an incident in which Owls captain Jose Semedo is alleged to have spat at counterpart Grant Leadbitter during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Hillsborough.

Last six games: Middlesbrough WLDLWL; Millwall LWLDLL.

Referee: K Wright (Merseyside).

Last time: Middlesbrough 1 Millwall 2; April 19, 2014; Championship.