'Pulis Fires Play-off Challenge To Aston Villa and Bristol City'

The Middlesbrough manager has warned his team’s playoff rivals that Boro are ready to take the fight to them in the remaining weeks of the season.

Just a few days after seeing his team return back to winning ways, Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has vowed to displace Bristol City and Aston Villa from the Championship play-off places.

"That [battling for the playoffs] is going to be the situation, we've got to embrace it and look forward to the challenge," he said.

"We've got to enjoy it and get on with it."

"We've got five massive games coming up and the next one is important against Hull."

Boro’s face Hull City at home today – a team whose recent fine form has seen them mount a late challenge to finish in the play-off places.

Pulis isn’t taking anything for granted regarding the test the Tigers might pose and has identified one player from the opposition as the major threat.

"They're dangerous, they've got players up front who can score goals and the wide players," added the Boro manager.

"Grosicki is a dangerous player for them, and you hear Lewandowski on how important he has been."

"It will be nice to see Nigel [Adkins] - he's someone I've known for a long time."

Pulis Wants His Players To Keep Fans Onside

In addition to highlighting the threat Hull City might pose, Tony Pulis has also urged his players to repay the faith of the Boro fans.

"Supporters pay their money, they have a right to do what they want. What we have to do is affect what we can do and that’s the performance, the result."

"When the players cross the line they have to focus, irrespective of surroundings and if the supporters are 100 percent behind you, and they will be if we win a game of football. We have to be mentally ready to perform and win games."

"We have to make sure we concentrate, play well through the pitch, we have to be more clinical. The other night we played really well and scored two. We have played as well as that and not scored the goals."

"It’s been one of my biggest gripes since I joined the club 14 months ago. We have played well enough, created chances, but not always been as clinical as we would hope."