Schwarzer backs Boro to pull off great escape

Middlesbrough are not as doomed for relegation as they may seem, according to former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Boro are currently six points from safety with only seven matches remaining, a run which includes Arsenal, Manchester City, and trips to Chelsea and Liverpool.

They host the Gunners next Monday knowing that they need to salvage anything they can if they are to see a change in fortunes.

Schwarzer, who spent 11 years at the Riverside Stadium, was part of the Leicester City squad that clawed their way out of relegation in 2014/15.

And the 44-year-old believes that Boro can replicate the Foxes’ great escape.

(Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

“Nobody expected Leicester to get out of the predicament they were in,” he said.

“Middlesbrough are in a similar situation, where they’ve almost been written off and the pressure is off a bit in that regard.

“But they definitely still have an opportunity, without a doubt.

“If they can get that one win, the confidence will lift immensely. Do that quickly and they give themselves every chance to stay up.

“I know the Boro fans and it’s important that they really get behind the team for the last couple of games, to show that united front.

“Ultimately, the supporters want to see that fight, that grit and determination, the players playing with their heart on their sleeves. If the fans see that I know they will back them all the way.”