Middlesbrough are ready for their play-off campaign now as Tony Pulis prepares his side to take on Aston Villa in the semi-finals.

The winner over two legs will book their place at Wembley, where they will take on Derby County or Fulham in a high-stake match with a place in the Premier League promised to the winner.

The play-offs are a lottery and Boro will fancy themselves, especially on their current good run of form.

If they do win promotion, Middlesbrough must avoid the same mistakes they made in the transfer window so that they do not drop straight back down to the Championship.

Pulis will be aware that they need reinforcements to stay afloat in the top flight and more Premier League experience is required after Aitor Karanka's shortcomings in the transfer window were due to bringing in too many unproven Premier League players.

Here are three players who need to come in to help keep Boro in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough need to bring in some new full-backs and Craig Dawson would be an excellent pick.

The 28-year-old fits the bill as an experienced defender as he has over 150 Premier League appearances to his name.

Dawson is able to play as a right-back or as a centre-back and he could be tempted to re-join Pulis in the Premier League with West Brom set for a season in the second tier.

Former academy product James Morrison could be another player for Pulis to poach from his old team.

The 31-year-old would provide some extra legs in midfield, helping to get Boro forward on the counter-attack with his passing range.

With over 300 Premier League appearances to his name, the Scotland international is the experienced name Boro need in the middle of the park.

Kenedy has spent the second half of the season on loan at Newcastle United from Chelsea and the Magpies surely want to make that deal permanent.

But with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley refusing to provide spending money, Middlesbrough should enter the race for the 22-year-old either on loan or permanently.

The Brazilian youth international can play anywhere down the left flank and his creativity out wide would really boost their attacking options.