When the going gets tough, it’s time for the tough to get going. Middlesbrough’s win against Swansea was exactly what they needed, because the reality of life in the Championship is about to get much more testing.

The forthcoming three league games in particular will test Rob Edwards’ injury-hit squad to the hilt. The games against Millwall, Norwich and Sheffield United will give a much clearer picture of where Boro are, and where they need to be if they are to make a genuine challenge for the top-six spot this season.

So, thank the lord for the deserved win against the Swans which considerably boosted confidence and togetherness in the dressing room. Hopefully the midweek defeat to Doncaster Rovers, in which almost half the team was changed, won't derail that too much.

Edwards deserves

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