Paul Merson believes Middlesbrough can be genuine promotion contenders if they continue to react to any setbacks in the same manner as they did against Ipswich Town.

Boro beat the Tractor Boys 2-1 at the Riverside, in what was a perfect response to the first league defeat of the season that they suffered last time out at Portsmouth. That was the conclusion of a tough week in which Rob Edwards managed just two points from nine available.

Thankfully, Rob Edwards’ side have started so well to the season that their minor blip didn’t prove too costly. Now, after a fantastic 21-point return from their opening ten games, Merson’s advice is to continue taking it block of games by block of games, having previously helped Middlesbrough himself to win Premier League promotion.

Merson, who w

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