FAILURE DRIVES US ON SAYS CARAYOL
MUSTAPHA CARAYOL claims Middlesbrough are driven by their past failings and he’s determined not to add to their list of play-off woe this season.
Carayol pitched up at the Riverside last term from Bristol Rovers and, although he was injured for the majority of the campaign, he was still disappointed to finish in a lowly 16th place.
In fact, since Boro’s relegation to the Championship in 2009 they have failed to make the top-six in the subsequent four seasons, something winger Carayol is desperate to put right.
“We are more determined than ever to succeed,” said Carayol, who is set to start against Wigan today.
“We’re always determined and even when we failed last year I don’t think there’s been any hangover or regret from it because we’re such a positive bunch of lads.
“We’re all trying to better ourselves and keep improving. Over a season we’re going to have some good days and some bad days and you’ve got to learn to take the good with the bad. Hopefully we can come out with a good result.”
Jason Steele missed last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackpool with an ankle injury picked up against Charlton but he could be back in contention against the Latics while Seb Hines is set to miss out.
“Every game in this league is weird,” added Carayol.“I’ve come from League Two and you thought you knew what to expect but every game is different.
“Hopefully the fans can be patient, because we do try to pay passing football.”