Gibson backs Boro to keep fighting

Ben Gibson insists Middlesbrough will keep fighting for their Premier League lives, despite sitting seven points from safety after defeat to Hull.

Aitor Karanka was fired last month, but caretaker manager Steve Agnew hasn’t been able to turn things around with Boro having not won in the league since December.

Their survival hopes took a massive hit this week when they were hammered 4-2 by relegation rivals Hull, and they now trail the Tigers by seven points.

It’s been a mixed season for Gibson, who was called into the England squad by Gareth Southgate in February but hasn’t been able to arrest Boro’s slide.

(Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

And the defender admits he has to taken some of the blame for the loss to Hull with just eight games left to save their Premier League status.

“It’s about the team and we won’t stop fighting,” he said. “There’s eight games and 24 points still to fight for.

“It was a big blow at Hull, but we have to get on with it quickly. It’s a massive game against Burnley now.

“We won’t stop believing and won’t stop fighting.

“We’re used to being solid, and we weren’t. I’ll hold my hands up, I’ve got to do better for some of the goals.

“We tried to be more expansive and creative up the pitch, and changed the shape. But ultimately, we didn’t do our jobs defensively and without the ball, and we have to resolve that quickly. “