MIDDLESBROUGH are looking to close an eight point gap to the Championship play-offs and Huddersfield Town welcome them to West Yorkshire this afternoon.

A recent run of poor form for Boro has seen them slip to 15th in the table as Chris Wilder has taken one point from his opening two games in charge.

The new boss has not written off the season and still believes that Boro are capable of mounting a play-off push. 

While the result hasn't quite matched the promising performances Boro have displayed so far, Wilder is confident that it will pay dividends soon. 

He said: "Stick with the process, get the balance right, play well and win. If we don't play well, can we get something from the game?

"We have to keep knocking on the door, believing in what we're doing, get both penalty areas right.

"We'll learn from Tuesday night. It's the first time they've seen me annoyed, with the hump a little bit, they haven't seen the full blast yet. It's important I get the balance right and we keep morale high. I want them to play with confidence.

"Huddersfield are a good side, they're deservedly where they are. The manager has had a couple of years to implement his ideas. But there's no fear in our game. I respect them but I'm sure they'll have watched us and think we're a decent side.

Wilder wasn't pleased with his side's display in the second half of their defeat to Preston and let his feelings known to the players.

"I have the full blast in the locker" he joked.

"Timing is key. I'm a manager of human beings as well as footballers. I have to get the maximum out of the players.

"I can't be too critical at the moment because they've had a lot chucked at them and hopefully the sledgehammer doesn't come out and we're smiling and celebrating with 3,500 supporters. We've sold out, which is incredible. To have that backing is a great incentive."

Boro are expected to have Andraz Sporar and Duncan Watmore available for the game at the John Smith's Stadium but Dael Fry and Martin Payero will both be on the sidelines.