Boro's focus is all on taking back top spot

Boro go to Birmingham on tonight second in the table on goal difference behind title rivals Bournemouth.

The Cherries' 1-1 draw with Huddersfield at the weekend handed Aitor Karanka's side the chance to grab the outright lead if they avoid defeat at St Andrew's. And, after a 2-0 FA Cup loss at Arsenal on Sunday, Reach wants to take control of the title race.

"If we win we'll go back to the top of the league and that's the main thing," he said. "It's back to the Championship now. We spoke about it in the dressing room straight after the Arsenal game.

"Although it's always disappointing to lose, I think it shows how far we've come being disappointed after losing 2-0 to Arsenal.

"But Wednesday is the most important thing now. We have to go to Birmingham, put in a good performance and bring home three points."

Boro have stayed in London since their defeat to the Gunners to avoid excessive travelling and Reach insisted it has not disrupted their plans.

"The environment is different but all the lads are close and it doesn't matter where we train - we'll still work hard to prepare right for Birmingham," he said.

"Every game is different so you do change your approach slightly. But, at the end of the day, we always want to win so we prepare for that no matter if it's Arsenal or Birmingham."

Middlesbrough