Iron boss Nigel Adkins predicts a difficult test against a Middlesbrough side he is backing to go all the way in the Championship this season.

"I think Middlesbrough will go straight back up," said the manager.

While he believes his team have the ability to test Boro, he knows it will be a tough task against a strong side buoyed by a 3-0 win at Swansea at the weekend.

Speaking on Player, he added: "They have a lot of strength and have a great manager in Gareth Southgate. As an international player and as a Premier League manager he's always conducted himself in the right manner.

"We're expecting a really tough game because Middlesbrough are equipped to do well, even in the Premier League.

"They've got two towering centre-halves over 6ft 5in, who are colossal.

"Hopefully Paul Hayes and Gary Hooper can cause them problems.

"We know it's going to be a tough game for us, but one that we're looking forward to."

See more from Nigel Adkins on The Iron Player.