AFTER losing on the road for the third time in their last four league games, left-back George Friend disputed the notion that Middlesbrough lack the mental strength required when going a goal down.

Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Hull City followed last month’s defeats at Reading (2-0) and Cardiff (1-0), when Boro were unable to recover after conceding the first goal.

“The lads don't have a mental thing about not being able to come back [from behind].

“At Wolves we showed great character and faith, so the boys will stick together and we'll come out of the international break with a great togetherness.

“It's unfortunate that there's such a long break now and we can't go straight into a Tuesday game, but it's a good time for those who've picked up knocks to recuperate.

“It's just a shame for those who travelled and all the fans who were looking forward to the game that we couldn't get the points for them.”

Hull’s deserved win keeps them top of the table, and Friend had few complaints.

He said: “They took their chances, they were a bit fortuitous with the second goal and the third goal was a mistake, but they've got a good squad with good players and perhaps we didn't match them in all the areas today.

“They were organised and have a lot of players who were in the Premier League last season, they haven't lost many - only (Nikica) Jelavic and (Robbie) Brady - so they're a strong team and they played well today.

“Against Rotherham we started well and didn't capitalise on the goal we scored, today was the same. We started really well but didn't keep pushing on and they ultimately scored the goal, and as soon as they got the second it was effectively over.

“When you come to Hull, a team of this quality, and you concede two goals then it's a tough ask.”

However, Friend did have a chance to score at 1-0 following a Stewart Downing cross, the resulting volley saved instinctively at close-range by goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

“I had a good chance and I struck it well, it was a good save from McGregor,” added Friend.

“I don't know how much he knew about it but if that goes in it's 1-1 and we probably have the upper hand.”