GARRY MONK will not concern himself with the reaction of the Leeds United fans when he returns to Elland Road for the first time as Middlesbrough manager on Sunday.

Monk, who has spoken more in depth about the reasons for leaving in Saturday’s The Northern Echo, spoke at his pre-match press conference at Boro’s Rockliffe Park training HQ this lunch-time.

The 38-year-old knows there are a number of Leeds supporters still angry for the way he left at the end of last season and then soon after taking over at the Riverside Stadium.

A packed Elland Road is likely to be a hostile place on Sunday when Monk travels south to Leeds with the Middlesbrough team but he will not be thinking about the reception he gets.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the team,” said Monk. “The reception is not even my focus, the focus is on my team.

“My memories of Elland Road are fantastic, I have some great memories there and it’s a great atmospheric stadium.

"Last season I experienced that as much as anyone. Going there now as manager of Middlesbrough, my main focus is on my team.”

Monk added: “I understand the questioning, outwardly why people see it like that, but inwardly it’s not about me.

"It’s about doing the best for Middlesbrough Football Club. It’s about three points and doing the best we can to get the result in the next game, a difficult game.

“I can only speak highly of the Leeds fans while I was there. To have helped build some togetherness, unity and enjoyed my time at a club where I had never previously had any connection with, I enjoyed. My memories of the fans there were fantastic.

“Because some people say stuff about you, it doesn’t deter from what the proper fans who gave great support to me and my staff, the players and the memories I will cherish forever.”

Leeds take on Middlesbrough, who have won their last three, having lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.

Monk is without the suspended Cyrus Christie, so Fabio da Silva and Connor Roberts are vying to replace him on the right. Ireland pair Christie and Darren Randolph suffered World Cup heartache by losing to Martin Braithwaite’s Denmark in midweek.

Monk said: “It was difficult as the manager when they came back! I said before they left, may the best team win, and the best team won over the two games.

“Darren and Cyrus are great professional lads, they will have no reaction. Martin is great too and they get on with each other. They all do here. That’s done and dusted now and it’s what we do for Middlesbrough.

“Darren and Cyrus performed really well in both games. You could see the confidence they are playing with and that’s what we are looking for them to continue in the coming weeks, although Cyrus is suspended.”

Monk will not call on striker Rudy Gestede even though he has recovered from surgery on a bleed in his leg.

The Middlesbrough boss said: “It’s too soon. He has been back in full training for the last week, but he will not be available. We have to assess him and his match fitness. It will be judged on how he responds to each and every day. It won’t be long before he is back in contention.”