Clayton: Boro desperate to remain among big boys

Adam Clayton insists Middlesbrough have cracked the transition to life in the Premier League and admits the team are now even more desperate to ensure they are still in the top tier come next season.

Boro have largely made a positive start to the campaign – remaining unbeaten through their first three league games before a narrow defeat to Crystal Palace.

Clayton has played a starring role as Middlesbrough have proved they can more than hold their own with the big boys of English football.

(Photo credit: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)

And the midfielder claims that not letting their focus slip, even for a moment, is crucial for Boro to avoid relegation this term.

“I think we’ve acquitted ourselves very well – the results have been very positive,” said Clayton. “We’ve been away from home and looked after ourselves.

“Teams have the quality to put in a goal against you at any time. Concentration over 95 minutes is imperative, you’ve got to stay on top of it as a collective, if one switches off it could lead to a goal.

“As a team, we want to make sure we’re in the league next year. When all the fixtures are coming out next year, we want the Arsenals and Chelseas still in our league.”