THEY have suffered a couple of set-backs over the past week, but Ryan Fredericks believes Middlesbrough have shown enough quality to suggest Aitor Karanka’s side will be challenging for promotion at the end of the season.

Boro climbed into the top six after three consecutive wins over Huddersfield, Cardiff and Brentford, but a failure to beat Charlton and Blackpool has seen the Teessiders drop to eighth, although they remain only three points behind leaders Norwich.

Fredericks made his debut in the convincing home win over Brentford a fortnight ago having arrived on a season-long loan from Tottenham, and is impressed with the performances so far.

The 21-year-old admitted Boro should have beaten struggling Blackpool at the Riverside in a performance that infuriated Karanka, but Fredericks insists the club must not dwell on missed opportunities.

“The games I've been involved in and witnessed we've put in some good performances,” the right-back said. “We should have taken three points against Blackpool but every game is a tough regardless of whether you are playing top of the league or bottom of the league.

“We know how hard games are but we also know we are a good team with good players so we are confident that if we keep on playing the way we are we should be up there come the end of the season.

“There are so many games in a season so we don't want to get caught up in one game.

“But the manager just wanted to make sure that we take every game seriously. We go into every game knowing it will be hard so he just wants us to keep on our toes and that's why he keeps the team fresh most weeks, he doesn't want us to rest on laurels and wants us to play well in every game.”

Boro’s failure to win their last two league games comes after they were knocked out of the Capital One Cup in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Liverpool.

Fredericks took, and scored, one of Boro’s 13 penalties at Anfield, but insists the manner of that game is not responsible for their performances in the last week.

“It was the best experience I've had so far in a game I've played in,” said Fredericks. “It wasn't so nice at the time, it would have been nice to win and go through.

“I’d not taken a penalty in a competitive game, so it I was a bit nervous when I took it but it just about snuck in.

“But I think we've all forgotten about the game now, it was nice at the time but we're moving on now and concentrating on the league.

“I wouldn't say we were jaded after that. The gaffer changed a lot of the players, he changed the players and gave those that need it a rest.

“I wouldn't put it down to being tired, just the two results haven't gone our way.”

Boro welcome a resurgent Fulham to the Riverside this afternoon with the Cottagers lifted following Felix Magath’s dismissal.

Caretaker boss Kit Symons has led his side to three wins since taking over and Fredericks admits Boro will be expecting a different test to one they might have a few weeks ago.

“It shows how strong the league is from top to bottom, anyone can beat anyone and that makes for a good exciting league, I suppose.

“But Fulham's going to be a tough, they've got good players that played in the Premier League last year so we know how tough that's going to be but we've got good players and we are confident.”

n Middlesbrough Official Supporters Club is hosting their next event on Monday with captain Grant Leadbitter the special guest.

The meeting will take place in the Fenton Suite (entrance via main reception at the Riverside) with a 6.45pm for 7.30pm start.

Membership is only £6 for adults and £2 for U-16s for the whole season.

All new members for season 14/15 or members renewing should arrive by 6:45pm to sign up.