ROSS McCORMACK was on Middlesbrough’s transfer wishlist throughout January, but Aitor Karanka does not think that will prevent the striker from finding top gear when he lines up for Fulham tomorrow.

The Scotland international was the subject of strong interest from Boro and discussions between the clubs led to the player becoming unsettled at Craven Cottage.

But Boro were unable to strike a deal before the transfer deadline, having been told Fulham were in no mood to sell someone valued at around the £13m mark.

There was talk of an offer, but Boro opted to rekindle their interest in another long-term target in the final week of the window and eventually landed Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn for £9m, potentially rising to £13m.

Rhodes, four years younger, has started positively, making the sort of runs Boro have cried out for in behind defences and he has scored once. It is likely that he will line up at the opposite end of the pitch to McCormack at Craven Cottage.

McCormack -who signed a new contract with the Cottagers yesterday - has scored 18 times for Fulham this season, despite the side languishing in 18th position, and Karanka is certain the forward will be focused and not affected by last month’s speculation.

“Ross is the kind of player that I expect to be at his best because he is one of the best players in the league,” said Karanka. “He has scored goals for I don’t know how many years in a row, and he is not alone at Fulham because they have good players. I know everything about Ross.

“I don’t know Ross personally. I have been here for two years and when I have seen him on the pitch I don’t think he will be affected by something like the talk in January. He will be one of the most important players for them for sure.”

Asked if McCormack is the best in the division, Karanka replied: “He is one of the most dangerous players in the Championship. McCormack is and I like Chris Martin from Derby also. I have Jordan and David Nugent who are the best! Third and fourth can be Ross and Martin.”

Nugent has scored twice since Rhodes’ switch from Blackburn, while Rhodes has one goal to take his seasonal tally to 12. Whoever leads the line now has the back-up of Gaston Ramirez following his loan move from Southampton and he scored his first for the club in the 3-1 win over Cardiff.

That victory kept Boro in the hunt for a top two place behind Hull City and Burnley after ending a run of five matches without a win.

Having achieved that Karanka is satisfied and is of the belief his squad is in better shape than it was last month to finish off the promotion push successfully.

The head coach said: “I knew that we had important injuries especially in defence, so we had to look at things, and the new players who have come in attack have made the team better.

“Cardiff are a really good opponent and it was a really good game. We are better now. The time in Marbella was good and for that reason I am confident for the future.”

The midweek results have seen Boro stay in touch with the top two, while Brighton’s form means they are also back in contention. Derby County are five points adrift of second spot, while Sheffield Wednesday are eight short in sixth.

Karanka said: “I can’t forget Derby. I think it will be tough until the end. Every single game will be different. Most teams are playing for relegation or promotion. It will be tough.”

Boro will have Ben Gibson available again after suspension but Daniel Ayala will still be missing with hamstring trouble. Teenager Dael Fry is expected to partner Gibson at the heart of the defence at Fulham.