Karanka has big expectations for Boro’s Guedioura

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka expects new signing Adlene Guedioura to have a major impact as the club looks to maintain its Premier League status.

The midfielder, 31, agreed to leave Watford on transfer deadline day and signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Teesside club.

And after a 1-1 draw with West Brom in midweek, Karanka hopes to have Guedioura involved with the squad immediately, starting with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

“It’s an important signing, and he wants to be with us,” he said. “I know from our games against him the experience and quality he can give.

“He’s played, including in the African Cup of Nations as well as the Premier League, so I think he can I think he can be involved this weekend.”

Middlesbrough were 2-0 down at half-time against Spurs last time the two sides met in the Premier League before Ben Gibson pulled one back.

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

And although Karanka’s men were unable to force an equaliser the manager wants his players to take heart from their second-half display into this weekend’s match.

“It’s a tough game, the first half at home against Spurs was once of our worst performances,” he added.

“But then the second half we showed we can compete against them. We have to go there with that attitude, and be at 100 per cent for 95 minutes.”