Southgate Praise For Kinnear!

Last updated : 29 November 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Gareth Southgate: "We had a poor performance last weekend. We set our standards higher than that and we have got to respond and try to put it right.

"The character and the commitment of the players is never in question. It's just a matter of making better decisions than we did last week, at both ends of the field.

"If we can do that, that will go a long way towards getting a result.

"For our fans this is a big game, there is no question about that. We want to reward them with the performance we are capable of giving.

"The crowd makes a huge difference for a player. The more people you can get into a ground, the better they perform.

"Joe has given them a direction now. It is brilliant for him, he deserves that for what he has done.

"I'm sure he that is what he hoped for when he got the opportunity in the first place.

"I'm sure he didn't think this opportunity would come along at this stage but he has grabbed it and good luck to him.

"Everybody knows the quality of players they have got and we will need to be at our very best to beat them."

MIDDLESBROUGH'S LAST 6 GAMES ...

Middlesbrough 1 Bolton 3
NOVEMBER 22: Barclays Premier League at the Riverside Stadium.

Everton 1 Middlesbrough 1
NOVEMBER 16: Barclays Premier League at Goodison Park.

Aston Villa 1 Middlesbrough 2
NOVEMBER 9: Barclays Premier League at Villa Park.

Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 1
NOVEMBER 1: Barclays Premier League at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough 2 Manchester City 0
OCTOBER 29: Barclays Premier League at the Riverside Stadium.

Blackburn 1 Middlesbrough 1
OCTOBER 25: Barclays Premier League at Ewood Park.

Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea 5
OCTOBER 18: Barclays Premier League at the Riverside.