Jonny Howson says he and his Middlesbrough players retain a firm belief the top two and automatic promotion from the Championship is still a realistic aim for the club this season. Boro currently sit sixth in the table, eight points behind second-placed Leeds United and a further three points off leaders Sheffield United.

It means Michael Carrick's men have a tough task on their hands to cut an increased deficit and can ill afford to drop many points over the busy Christmas period if they are to approach January in a position where they can make a genuine assault on the top two.

Consistency will be key as Boro look to address a run that has brought a win, loss and a draw from their last three outings. That starts with the long trip to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, followed by the Boxing Day home game with Sheffield Wednesday.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough's automatic promotion chances and realistic expectations - Boro panel

READ MORE: Michael Carrick makes exciting Delano Burgzorg prediction amid Emmanuel Latte Lath transfer talk

Asked about the club's position in the table, Howson said; "We're obviously better positioned than we have been in previous seasons but I'm a massive believer in not looking too far ahead because when you do that you can take your eye off what's right in front of you and that's when mistakes can happen.

"We're not in a bad position but we think we should be better off because of points we have dropped. We can take that as a positive as well. There's a long way to go and this is a vital spell because we have games coming really quick. We'll need the squad over this period.

"We're sixth but I believe we should be going higher rather than accepting where we are. It's only when you're top that you're not chasing someone. With this squad I don't see why we can't be going for the top two and chasing them down."

So does the squad retain the same belief Boro can chase down the top two? "I think so, yeah," adds Howson.

"We're not even halfway through the season and previous seasons we have caught up however many points with runs you put together. It's not just us, other teams have done it.

"With some of the points we've dropped, we're disappointed and think we should have more points on the table but it is what it is, that's the position we're in. Whether it's an individual or a team, you should always strive to improve."