Garry Monk: Middlesbrough boss says team are focus, not him, after vital Ipswich win

Garry Monk has won 11 of 24 games in charge of Middlesbrough since taking charge last summer

Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk said the impact on the team of their 2-0 victory against Ipswich was more important than personal considerations.

The win was Boro's first in three games and followed defeats against promotion rivals Derby and Bristol City.

Monk's side are five points outside the play-off places after the success as they bid to return to the top flight.

"It's not about me, my job is to help the players and to help this club," the 38-year-old told BBC Tees.

"I was just happy for the players for the response and to get the result. Outside influences in terms of the pressure they talk about, I don't take any notice of."

In his pre-match conference, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy made reference to the pressure that has been placed on Monk to deliver success.

He cited summer spending on strikers Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher, forward Martin Braithwaite and goalkeeper Darren Randolph as a reason for the increased expectations on the former Swansea and Leeds boss at the Riverside.

Monk, however, believes his team are making positive progress despite their recent slide.

"You expect the highest standards, that's how it should be," he added. "That's the kind of culture and environment we're trying to bring into the club.

"They're very good with it, they're disappointed when we don't reach those standards. We expect more from ourselves and today was a step forward to mending that.

"Credit to the players for that, of course I still think there's more if we can get some momentum and build on this kind of result in the next game.

"I think you'll see those standards creeping up higher, that's what we need to do."