Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has stressed how important it was that his team kept a clean sheet in today's Championship encounter with Millwall.

Goals from Emanuele Ledesma and Albert Adomah helped Boro leave The Den with all three points, although the Spaniard was keen to praise his team's defensive solidity.

"It was very, very important for us because we are losing points in the last minute," Eurosport quotes Karanka as saying.

"Not conceding late was important for the squad. It's important for our defenders and for the 'keeper to keep a clean sheet.

"The team is starting to take shape. I've said since the first day I'm very happy with this team. I can see them improve but we just need to win the points. I think this team deserves to win with a support that is always with us."

Middlesbrough's first win in three games lifts them into 17th place