Arca: Confidence is good

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Julio Arca admits confidence in the Middlesbrough camp is high following the club's results in recent weeks.

Since losing at home to Championship side Cardiff City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Boro have offered a positive response.

They have drawn away to Arsenal and Aston Villa, suffered a narrow defeat at Chelsea and drew 2-2 at home with Manchester United at the weekend.

Arca has been buoyed by the team's recent run of form and is hoping it will continue until the end of the season.

Working hard

"In the last few weeks, we have played against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United and we have had some good results," said Arca.

"That shows how good the confidence in the team has been over the last five or six weeks.

"It's important because the lads have been working hard and at this stage of the season, we need to get points and try to finish the season with as many points as we can."

Afonso Alves' first goals for the club secured a point against United, but Arca concedes Boro feel they could have beaten the Premier League leaders.

Good point

He said: "We created enough chances to win the game. We knew how hard it was going to be - you know how difficult it is going to be to play Manchester United, and that's why we were so proud to get a point.

"We were a bit disappointed that we didn't get three, but it is still a good point. We don't have to be upset because we didn't win, it is still a good point.

"It is important for us at this point of the season. Now the difference between us and relegation is nine points, so it is more comfortable."