EFL expert Don Goodman used the word 'progression' to describe Middlesbrough's 2024 and made a bold claim that he believes they're one of three best teams in the Championship.

The Sky Sports pundit has raved about Boro since the summer and despite the club's frustrations at times this season with throwing away games in which, on the balance of play, they should have won. Despite that, they end the calendar year in the play-off places and optimistic about their promotion chances in the new year.

A draw with Burnley on Sunday evening saw them make important defensive improvements that they'll hope to carry forward into 2025 as they head into the second half of the season in a better position than the same stage last season. 24 games into the season, they sit sixth on 37 points, which is three points and eight places better off than the same stage last term.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough legend Gareth Southgate becomes fourth England boss to be awarded knighthood

READ MORE: 'We can't accept that' - Despondent Michael Carrick's verdict on Middlesbrough collapse

Offering his verdict on Boro's 2024, with a bold prediction for the new year included, Goodman told Teesside Live via Coin Poker: "2024 has been a year of progression for Middlesbrough. It didn't start well, winning two, drawing two and losing five of their first nine fixtures. They did finish the 2023/2024 season strongly, however.

"I had big expectations for them this season and even bigger ones after seeing them play. I think they're definitely one of the three best teams in the Championship, even if it's not reflected in the results. When they lose, Boro usually give a good account of themselves in the performance.

"They're sixth at the moment and they haven't yet gone on the kind of run I think they're capable of. Their longest unbeaten stretch is just three games and that shows there's a lot more to come. They've just been punished for missing chances at the one end and conceding very soft goals down the other.

"As I say, 2024 has been a year of progression. I'd expect them to take points from their upcoming run of fixtures, and if they can go on one of those runs that they're capable of, they may be able to put pressure on the teams above them. They've got a good squad of players and I have them down as a shoe-in for the top six. I would be massively shocked if they don't. Everything is there for Boro to have a really strong second half of the season."