DAVID NUGENT thinks Middlesbrough will have to learn how to break counter-attacking teams down quickly if they want to remain automatic promotion contenders for the rest of the season.

Nugent was part of the Leicester City side two years ago which won the Championship when he had to get used to sides trying to edge ahead and then spoil things by asking players to stay behind the ball to stay ahead.

But the Foxes got into the knack of winning and that is what Boro will have to figure out how to do if they are to live up to their billing as title favourites at the start of the campaign.

Bristol City left the Riverside with the three points after successfully holding on to the lead secured through Joe Bryan’s lovely eighth minute finish.

The Robins could have extended that advantage before half-time but after the restart they had to dig in and prevent Boro from equalising to claim a first win of the season.

Nugent, hoping to start at Burton in the Capital One Cup tomorrow, said: “It was the same when we got promoted at Leicester. We couldn't get that first goal, they had something to hold on to and they did it really well.

"Every home game will be the same, especially when the away team takes the lead. They'll drop as deep as they can and try to prevent us from scoring. So it's vital we come out of the traps early, get the first goal and the game should be open, and we'll batter teams if we get the first goal here.

“We go away and it's one game, one game doesn't decide the league and we have to look at the table at Christmas time when the fixtures come thick and fast.

“You take your proper position at Christmas time. We want to go to Burton and get into the next round and take the win into the weekend against Sheffield Wednesday. There's a two-week break after that game so it's vital we get a victory and then have a rest and re-group back in training."

It was far from the ideal home bow for Nugent, making his first start since his £4m switch from Leicester. For a renowned Football League goalscorer he spent the majority of the game with his back to goal.

The 30-year-old said: “It was a frustrating day for myself, I didn't have any clear cut chances, they had three big centre-halves wanting to come through the back of me and take me out, but I thought I stood up to them. We tried our best but it wasn't to be, but I'm sure on Tuesday we'll put things right.

"I've been working hard in training trying to get used to teammates but in games it's totally different. I do like to run in behind but when they've got five at the back it's hard when they drop that deep.

“I was trying to drop deep to get Stewy (Downing) on the ball but it wasn't working, we got crosses into the box and their defenders headed it away. It wasn't to be.”

Eyebrows were raised when Nugent was one of four changes to the starting line-up which drew at Derby on Tuesday. Many felt Kike, after scoring three goals in his first three games, deserved to stay in the side along with Diego Fabbrini and Albert Adomah, who were also left out.

Nugent, mindful of Karanka’s tendency to tinker, said: “I was delighted to get the nod. Kike has been excellent and scored three in three in the league.

"I want to play every single game. I've come here to play and score goals, and let's hope the gaffer has confidence in myself and Kike to produce the goals to get us in the Premier League.

“The gaffer thought I could run in behind and cause them trouble in behind but it wasn't to be, but now we've got a tricky tie away at Burton in the cup. We want to win that game to get a bit of confidence and then go to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday with confidence.”