Work ethic key to Middlesbrough form - Tony Mowbray

Mowbray's side are currently second in the Championship with five wins in seven this season

Manager Tony Mowbray says his Middlesbrough players must maintain their work ethic to remain at the top of the Championship table.

Second placed Boro are unbeaten this season with five wins in seven league games, while five-goal Marvin Emnes is among the division's top scorers.

"It's important we keep our feet on the ground," Mowbray told BBC Tees.

"The reason we are where we are is down to hard work and organisation, and the players making the game plans work."

Mowbray remains cautious about his side's chances of maintaining a push for promotion this season, despite the excellent start.

"I have been there before at the top end of the table, first season at West Brom we finished fourth, and then the second season we won the league," Mowbray added.

"We know how difficult it is week in week out to keep going, and how you have to bounce back from set-backs, and dealing with expectation levels.

"Teams do seem to suss you out, they look at the way you play, find ways to prevent you scoring goals, and give you problems.

"That is always part of the equation, you have to react to what the opposition play, and it's a long season."

BBC Tees have full commentary of every Middlesbrough game, as well as debate, interviews and reaction throughout the week on BBC Tees Sport from 18:00 BST.