Derby County boss John Eustace says Middlesbrough has no reason not to be pushing for promotion after their summer recruitment dealings.
The Rams traveled to face Boro this weekend and were defeated 2-1 in a close game at the Riverside Stadium.
Derby took the lead within two minutes when Patrick Agyemang scored to frighten the hosts, giving Eustace’s team a critical lead to defend.
They were successful for 75 minutes before being broken down, with Matt Targett equalising from a set piece and Morgan Whittaker scoring the winner against his previous club six minutes from time to give new Boro manager Kim Hellberg his first win.
County left Teesside empty-handed, but their performance was outstanding against a squad that has constantly fought for the top of the table this season.
Eustace chose to emphasis on this point following the match, adding that he believes Middlesbrough has no choice but to compete for promotion.
John Eustace makes Middlesbrough claim following Derby County’s defeat.
Derby’s manager was proud of his team after the loss and believes that Boro’s talent was what made the difference at the end of the day.
Middlesbrough’s victory placed them back into the automatic promotion places and Eustace was then asked on if he believes the North East team had what it takes to go all the way this term.
The Rams’ leader didn’t hold back in his reply, instead heaping extra expectation on Kim Hellberg’s club.
“I think you only have to look at their squad,” said Eustace to the Northern Echo. “I don’t really need to say anything else.
“They’ve got a top squad and have spent a lot of money. They should be among the top six.”
A win would’ve moved Derby within one point of Boro, who spent much of the season’s early stages as league leaders, before Coventry City finally gained their stride and surpassed them.
The Rams presently lie 10th in the Championship, three points shy of the play-offs, but they will have to go the next couple of months without talisman Carlton Morris, who has sustained an ankle injury.
John Eustace’s Middlesbrough claim may hold some weight.
Although battling for promotion to the Championship is easier said than done, Eustace’s perspective may be shared by a number of managers in the league.
Boro have made major investments in their squad in recent years, with players such as Adilson Malanda, Morgan Whittaker, Tommy Conway, Alfie Jones, and Callum Brittain demanding large transfer fees.
With additional excellent operators like Alan Browne and Hayden Hackney on the squad, Eustace’s viewpoint gains a lot of weight.
Coventry City have been the Championship’s most impressive club by far this season, and they are practically guaranteed to finish in the automatic promotion places, but Middlesbrough should also be a top contender until May.
Their roster is brimming with potential, and as Eustace indicated, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be in the running for a Premier League return.
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