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Sky Bet Championship: Ben Gibson admits Middlesbrough have to improve

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough in action during the npower Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough at Hillsborough Stadium on May 4, 2013 in Sheffield, England.  (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Image: Ben Gibson: Acknowledges that it is up to the players to turn Middlesbrough's season around

Ben Gibson admits that Middlesbrough have a lot to work on as they try to find a spark to ignite their season.

Target
Asked if Boro would be happy to take a point off a side who have gone seven without defeat on home soil, Gibson said: "No, we want three points. A point isn't good enough for us. Teams like Millwall, whether it's at home or away, we feel we should be beating them. That's what we will look to do." The 20-year-old defender will be hoping to be involved again at The Den, with a product of the famed Riverside academy ranks ready to 'nail down' a senior role after being toughened up to the demands of first team football during loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, York City and Tranmere Rovers. Gibson, who is benefitting from having experienced heads such as Jonathan Woodgate, Dean Whitehead and loanee Shay Given around him, said: "It's what I've always wanted and dreamt of. I knew I had to go out and play games and experience first team and man's football. That's what the old manager wanted and I think it has stood me in good stead. "I'm just trying to take every opportunity I can to show what I can do. I have managed to play a few games and now I really want to establish myself here and nail down a spot and stay here for a long, long time. "I'm very fortunate that the lads are all very good, especially Woody. I have a close relationship with him and he's been excellent if there is anything I want to ask or talk about. The same with Shay and Deano, if I ever have any queries or if I want to voice an opinion, they will listen and are very helpful. "I feel as though I am learning a lot, especially playing alongside Woody who has been at the highest level. The more I play with him, the better it will be for my career." For now, though, the focus for all of those connected with Boro is ensuring that the next 12 months see the club get back on an upward curve as a collective. Gibson said: "Everyone knows that 2013 has been a pretty disastrous year for the football club and we're hoping that 2014 will bring new success. But it starts Saturday so hopefully we can get a few wins, go on a run and then we'll just take every game as it comes. But we're not looking past Saturday as of yet." Ben Gibson was talking to Sky Sports on behalf of Sky Bet, the Title Sponsor of The Football League. For a wide range of match odds and specials on all Football League matches and a £5 free bet every week, go to skybet.com.

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