Boss Roy Keane slammed his side’s defending after the Blues’ 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. Town again conceded soft goals, all but gifting the home side the victory.

Keane said: "When you look at the goals we've conceded all season, it has been a horror show," said Keane. "And there have been another three today.

"We have had decent possession and always looked a threat but as soon as we lose it we are in trouble and we've conceded a goal. We can't keep on giving the ball away.

“And up the other end too. We have put good balls into the area but not made them count.

"If it was about corners and balls into the box we'd be well clear at the top. We can't keep on making excuses."

Keane says there is no panic despite his side languishing second from bottom: "I wouldn't call it a crisis. Supporters may call it that, but I would call it a challenge.

"We are certainly not panicking. Are we disappointed? Yes. Are we frustrated? Yes. But we are not panicking.

"We have a decent squad here and between the boxes we are playing some good stuff.

"Maybe we are lacking a bit of confidence at the moment because of the lack of a win but it will come, it will gel. It is early days yet."

The Town manager was pleased with his three recent signings: "The three new lads did OK and they bring quality to the side, but you can't win matches with three players, however much difference they make.

"We've got to go again against Nottingham Forest. I have made changes and have given players opportunities and some others may get a chance on Tuesday night."

Boro manager Gareth Southgate admitted the scoreline flattered his side: "I thought we were laboured at times, particularly in the second half when they had so much of the ball.

"I thought the quality of the goals was excellent and I was delighted that Jeremie came off the bench and made an impact like that. It is nice for a manager when a player makes his point like that.

"But the game wasn't as easy for us as the scoreline suggests. We were made to work hard and we lost concentration at the end and gave away a soft penalty and the clean sheet. We need to be more ruthless."

Photo: Action Images

dubblue added 16:29 - Sep 14 Come on you blues! Agree talk about replacing Keane at this stage is rubbish! It took Burley 4? seasons to get us promoted (granted alot of close misses!). Has he had any success since he left PR?
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darren_cox added 17:21 - Sep 14 I agree that Mcawful should go. He clearly is not up for the job which has certainly surprised me. I thought he would have a good season but he has been hopelessly bad. Getting Shitty in would be a massive plus. If we do not beat Forrest than i really will be worries. COYB
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