Middlesbrough star Ryan Shotton has issued doubts he has over Derby's chances to finish inside the top six this season.

Boro and the Rams go head-to-head this weekend in the Championship in what will be a massive game in terms of who finishes inside the play-off places.

And, as things stand, it is Boro who look better placed to make the top six come the end of the campaign with Derby looking on the brink of yet another second half of the season collapse.

Indeed, with that said, Shotton has doubts that the Rams will change their ways this season and that Boro's experience will get them over the line.

He was quoted by Middlesbrough's official website as saying:

“I think the experience of everyone is going to show.

“The team’s been up there, Derby’s been up there for a couple of years now and not shown that last push they can do, so it’s time for us to step in and make sure they don’t do it again for us."

The Verdict

These comments will go one of two ways.

Either they'll get in Derby's head as they see many start to doubt them of being able to finish in the top six or it'll fire them up to prove Shotton and others wrong.

Boro will hope the former happens.

Thoughts, Boro and Rams fans? Let us know below!