Pulis warns players to keep focus

Middlesbrough may already be assured of a play-off spot but Tony Pulis has told his players they have a responsibility to the travelling fans to end on a high at Ipswich Town.

Pulis is adamant his squad won’t be taking their foot off the gas at Portman Road tomorrow (KO 12.30pm). Boro, already assured of a top-six spot, need a point to guarantee a fifthplaced finish.

There is still a chance Middlesbrough could drop to sixth, which would mean a semifinal tie with Fulham or Cardiff rather than Aston Villa, but only if they lose at Ipswich and Derby achieve a three-goal swing.

Pulis insists his players have been preparing for the final league game with the same vigour as ever.

“I think we have to approach it in the right manner,” Pulis said.

“It’s very important that people understand, irrespective of what is on the game, we have a responsibility to our supporters who are going down there to watch a game of football.

“Whether I go with the team that has won over the past three or four weeks, or whether I change it, whoever puts on the shirt it’s important they go out there and keep up the momentum for us.

“There will be a good number of supporters going, who have paid good money, so we have a responsibility to them.”

Pulis admits he is considering resting players for the game, with the play-off semi finals taking place the week after but he says whoever plays, the approach will be right.

On the back of three successive wins, the Boro boss says he’ll be hoping to continue that run this weekend.

“We have one or two knocks and niggles but I think everyone will be fit and available,” added Pulis.

“We had Mo Besic, Stewart Downing and big Dani [Ayala] all unable to train earlier in the week, but they will all be wanting to play.

“Then it’s deciding what I want to do.

“The important thing is that we stay focused.”