Karanka challenges his Boro players to remain on top of the league

Boro looked to be heading for a rare defeat when Ben Gibson’s errant back-pass resulted in the first-half dismissal of goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos and the concession of a penalty that was converted by Paul Caddis.

But despite their numerical disadvantage, the Teessiders rallied to produce a stirring second-half display that was capped by a late equaliser from Patrick Bamford.

The result leaves Boro a point clear of Bournemouth and Derby County at the Championship summit, and while they have briefly held top spot on two separate occasions this term, this is the first time they have led when all the leading promotion candidates have played the same number of games.

Karanka admits taking over top spot has proved a difficult psychological hurdle to overcome, but with Saturday’s lunch-time game with Leeds United offering an opportunity to move four points clear, the Spaniard sees no reason why his side cannot retain their current position until the start of May.

“It’s the second or third time that we were playing to go to the top of the table, and each time, we weren’t able to play as we usually play,” said Karanka. “In the second half, we didn’t have anything to lose, so we played in the way we usually play – aggressive, confident and consistent.

“It is a very important point because finally we are at the top of the table. This group of players have been working for six or seven months to get into this position.

“They all deserve to be in the position they are in, and now we have to do everything we can to defend it.

“I am confident we can do that because of the work that the players are doing. We have been working for a long time for this, and six or seven months ago, I don’t know if people would have thought that we would be at the top of the table now. But my players have done everything they can to reach this position, and now we cannot lose it.”

Trailing at half-time, and with a man disadvantage, it would have been easy for Boro to collapse in the second half.

Instead, they regrouped to dominate a Birmingham side who have improved dramatically since the appointment of Gary Rowett, with skipper Grant Leadbitter outstanding at the heart of midfield and Bamford converting the one genuine opportunity that came his way.

Karanka admits he was shocked by his side’s lacklustre showing prior to Konstantopoulos’ dismissal, but insists he was not surprised by the way in which they turned things around in the second half.

“It is important to show that kind of character, but it wasn’t a surprise to me,” he said. “I know my players, and the atmosphere that we have around the team right now is amazing. The first half was a surprise to me, not the second half.

“The second half was the same spirit we have been showing all season. We have been playing in that way, and in the second half, we showed everyone the type of team that Middlesbrough is.”

Konstantopoulos’ dismissal looked a relatively clear cut affair, but having already had one run in with David Coote this season – last night’s referee was the fourth official that Karanka was alleged to have pushed in the aftermath of Blackburn’s controversial equaliser at the Riverside in December – the Boro head coach thought it better to keep his counsel.

“I think I had better say nothing,” he said. “I have already got myself into trouble once this season, and I do not want to do the same again.”

Middlesbrough are set to lose two players on loan later this week, with Seb Hines on the verge of joining American side Orlando City while Emmanuel Ledesma heads to Brighton.

“I think the contract is signed (with Hines), and I think it will be a good place for him,” said Karanka. “It will be a good experience. I know that league and it is improving a lot.

“I don’t think it is fair for Manu (Ledesma) to be here and not playing when he is finishing his contract. He needs to play.”