PERHAPS the biggest challenge Aitor Karanka and his Middlesbrough squad faces over the next few hours is ensuring there is no cup hangover capable of derailing promotion hopes.

Regardless of just how far Boro want to go in the Capital One Cup after reaching the quarter-finals courtesy of the memorable penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United on Wednesday, leaving the Championship behind come May is clearly the priority.

Middlesbrough do not want to spend a further season outside of the Premier League and a fifth home win over Charlton today could lift them back in to a top two place after a recent stutter.

But the effort, commitment and mental fatigue which was required during extra-time and penalties at Old Trafford in midweek is sure to have taken its toll in some shape or form.

It will be Karanka’s job to weigh up which players are in need of a rest the most, with Gibson believing he is more than capable of playing today because of a lack of starts already in this campaign.

But the experiences of last season’s cup exploits should also help Middlesbrough as they head in to a home date with Charlton, who were the opponents at the Valley 13 months ago when it finished goalless just days after the mammoth penalty shoot-out defeat at Liverpool in the League Cup.

Karanka is keen to go one better than earning a point this time around, with Gibson citing the 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup last season as a similar example; when Boro then went to Brentford and won 1-0.

Gibson said: “We need the cup win at Old Trafford to motivate us to get back to these grounds next season too as we want to be here on a regular basis.

“I remember after Man City last year we played Brentford in an early kick-off on the Saturday and we won 1-0. It wasn't pretty, it was the complete opposite from Man City, but we got three points.

“I'd take that this Saturday - we have had to not think about the success this week, but instead use it as a motivation to get back here on a weekly basis.”

Charlton are struggling at the wrong end of the Championship and are searching for a new boss after sacking Guy Luzon last weekend. Former Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, in charge at Burton, is one of the front-runners.

Gibson said: “We have to turn our heads now to Saturday and keep building in the league, getting three points.

“Every player in the Football League works and wants to be a Premier League player. Last season we weren't far away from doing that, but this season we have to make sure we get there.”

And after following up a three-match winless run by winning at Wolves and then Manchester United, Gibson thinks Karanka is the man to ensure the whole squad stay grounded and focused on the challenges that lie ahead.

He said: “Any manager who can (juggle cup and league) is a top, top manager as it's a difficult situation. People can look and say 'they were more up for that game' but that's not the case.

“We're hungry for each game but sometimes it just doesn't happen. We've got good leaders in the dressing room demanding off each other and that's the way forward.

“If some people aren't having a great game then the other people get on the case and pull each other through, we've got a good dressing room and that's why we'll be ok.”

Gibson faces a wait to see if he keeps his place this afternoon because of the form of Fernando Amorebieta this season. The two players are effectively competing for the right to partner Daniel Ayala as things stand because of the Spaniard’s displays.

While Middlesbrough defended strongly at Manchester United, Ayala was outstanding to highlight that he has the attributes and mentality to become a Premier League defender.

Gibson said: "For me, Dan was probably our best player last season. He made a mistake in the play-off final but has bounced back again, rock solid, wins every header and is as strong as they come.

“He's a good lad and long may it continue, but we've got a lot of players doing the same. George Friend, whoever slots in at right-back - whether it's Tomas Kalas or Emilio (Nsue) - we're a strong defensive unit and we're lucky to have such good quality defenders.

“We're a team unit but we have got a real good understanding and relationship. We've had a good foundation to build upon for the last couple of years and long may it continue.”