AITOR KARANKA is adamant that losing against a couple of title rivals this week would not ruin Middlesbrough’s chances of returning to the Premier League.

But the Boro boss admits that victory at fourth-placed Derby County tonight would be the perfect way to show the rest of the promotion-chasers that the Teessiders mean business just four days after denting Ipswich’s top two hopes.

Middlesbrough head for the iPro Stadium where victory could lift them back to the top of the Championship and widen the gap to many of the teams below them, including the Rams.

Karanka, however, will not be getting carried away regardless of the result tonight or when they travel to current leaders Bournemouth on Saturday.

“We have to remember that if we win these two games we will not be in the Premier League next season, just like if we lose we will not be out of contention for promotion. It will be fantastic to win though,” said Karanka.

“Derby for me have the best squad in the Championship and they need the points more than ever. I think Chris Martin might play for them despite his recent injury. I’m preparing for the game as if he will play.

“I know Darren Bent is injured. But Martin is their reference up front and without him they are not scoring as many goals. They do have other important players so it will be a very tough game.”

Patrick Bamford will be returning to Derby, after being was part of McClaren’s side which lost to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Bamford is Boro's top scorer this time around and he took his tally to 15 for the season with two goals against Ipswich on Saturday when he operated as a central striker.

“Patrick’s improving all the time, every day,” said Karanka, who insists he is not looking for a new striker after failing to lure Jordan Rhodes to the Riverside.

“When you are a quality player and you are young then it’s normal to improve if you are in the right place. He is improving a lot, not just because of those two goals on Saturday.

“He’s is working for the team. He is now playing more for the team. But I trust my other strikers too, Jelle Vossen, Kike, Lee Tomlin ... and Albert Adomah is scoring goals now too, so I’m pleased.”