Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph has put a positive spin on his side's 0-0 draw with Swansea on Saturday, saying clean sheets get you promoted.

The stalemate marked Boro's seventh clean sheet of the season, with Tony Pulis's side currently sat in second place and behind Leeds on just goal difference.

“Keeping clean sheets is a very important if you want success and if you want promotion,” Randolph told the Gazette.

“Most teams that go up get 20 odd clean sheets. For any kind of success in football you need to stop it going in.

“It sounds simple but concede the fewest goals in the league and the chances are you will go up.”

The back three of Randolph, Daniel Ayala and Aden Flint have been at the centre of the club's defensive success this season.

The North East side have only conceded once since the opening day of the season, where they drew 2-2 with Millwall.

The other goal to hit the back of the net came in their only loss of the season to Norwich City at Carrow Road last Saturday.

The Verdict 

It may sound boring and 'typical of a Pulis side' but it is true.

There is usually one side each season who goes about their business in an unspectacular way, but still manages to win promotion through being a solid unit, who are extremely tough to beat.

That is the route Boro are going down, and with just three goals conceded all season, it is hard to argue with the approach.

Thoughts? Let us know! 

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