GARRY MONK insists that there are plenty of positives to take from Middlesbrough’s opening weekend defeat in the Championship – even though he thinks his players should have claimed something from Molineux.

Boro were made to pay for a costly Daniel Ayala error in the 33rd minute when his square pass went straight to Leo Bonatini and the Wolves striker slotted beyond goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

Middlesbrough then had great chances to level; the best was a header wasted by Martin Braithwaite in the first half before Britt Assombalonga was denied by John Ruddy after the restart.

Middlesbrough improved in the second half and could have claimed a point against a Wolves side which impressed under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Monk said: “It's not the result we were hoping for but it's the first game, the season opener and it's always difficult. First half they were the better team we made very simple mistakes with the ball and one led to a goal which is unfortunate.

“Second half we were the better team we upped our urgency, moved the ball quicker especially in the last 25-30 minutes. We had the best chances in the game we should have had a goal or two.

“If you took that mistake out I can't remember them having many chances at goal. Another day we would have taken one or two. We deserved something but look it's the first game, many, more to come. The result was disappointing.”

And Monk, who has snot finished his spending yet, thinks Middlesbrough will only get better under his watch.

He said: “This group will only get better. We’ve got a lot of talent but it doesn't give us the divine right to work overnight.

“We need to take the second half and continue the urgency and intensity. We need to do that from the start of the game but we can also take a positive.

"There's always build up and hype because it's the first game but there's plenty of points to play for and I am sure we'll be picking up many more of the coming months.”