Win would boost Boro play-off hopes
ANDREW Taylor today insisted Middlesbrough's play-off hopes are still alive as they look for a first Tyne-Tees derby victory in seven attempts.
Boro host runaway Championship leaders Newcastle United at the Riverside tomorrow (kick-off 3pm), with their promotion chances looking increasingly slim.
Last week's defeat at Cardiff City left Boro five points adrift of the top six, having played a game more than the Bluebirds and Leicester City, who occupy the final two play-off places.
But Taylor, who played for Boro in their last win over Newcastle in October 2006, has not ruled out a late charge from Gordon Strachan's men.
Taylor said: "I don't think losing at Cardiff has ended our play-off chances.
"Things look very difficult, but there are still 11 games to go.
"All we need to do is go on an unbeaten run. If we win eight or nine games that would be enough to get into the play-offs, and then anything can happen."
Taylor insists he has not been surprised by Newcastle's dominance this year, despite the Magpies' well-publicised off-the-field problems.
The 23-year-old expected the experience in Newcastle's ranks to pay dividends with Chris Hughton's men currently lying six points clear at the Championship summit.
But left-back Taylor is not daunted by the prospect of facing the Magpies, whose form on the road has not been as formidable as their results at St James's Park.
"They are very physical, experienced and know how to win games," said Taylor.
"They might not play great, but they have got experience and knowledge which we are maybe lacking.
"We know it is going to be tough because they are not top of the league for nothing.
"But there is no reason why we can't upset them. No one is head and shoulders above everyone else in this league.
"It is not as if we are playing someone like Man United or Chelsea at the top of the Premier League."
"I'm not really surprised how well they've done. They kept their main block of players with experience at both international and Premiership level.
"They have had their problems off the pitch. But as a footballer, you just do your job."
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Monday 21 May 2012
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