AITOR KARANKA has called on Middlesbrough to channel the spirit that propelled them to victory on Hull's last visit as the Tigers arrive at the Riverside for the latest key encounter between the clubs.

Substitute David Nugent claimed a dramatic injury-time winner when City were beaten 1-0 at the Riverside in March, at the end of a traumatic spell that had seen Karanka threaten to quit after briefly walking out following a spat with senior players.

Boro were soundly beaten by a Charlton side heading for League One in the Spaniard’s absence to set the alarm bells ringing.

Five days later, the head coach was embraced by supporters and players alike when he returned to take charge of the pivotal victory over a side then managed by Steve Bruce who were to follow the Teessiders into the Premier League via a play-off final victory over Sheffield Wednesday in May. 

“I remember it was a tough moment for everybody back then,” reflected Karanka, whose name rang around the Riverside in a glowing endorsement from fans during the Friday night televised clash which sparked a six-match winning run and a ten-game unbeaten sequence to the end of the season as automatic promotion was secured behind champions Burnley.

“I said then that game was good to show everybody how together we were, and we did just that, scoring so late to win. It was perfect.

“At the time Hull were a direct opponent and we showed on TV that we were a really strong group. I think it was if not the most important, then certainly one of the most important games of the season, especially after that week. All the emotions came to me when the referee blew his final whistle, it was a massive moment for us.”

City, who are without a league win on Teesside for more than 30 years, return once again under lights as Boro look to improve their current run of one victory in 12 games.

Karanka added: “I was really pleased when I learned this game was on a Monday as I think we’re confident playing at night. Most of the time we have won or played really well under lights. The atmosphere in the stadium is always good when we play night games, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Middlesbrough (probable, 4-3-3): Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio; de Roon, Clayton, Forshaw; Traore, Negredo, Ramirez.