Middlesbrough continued their fine run under Michael Carrick continued as they dispatched Blackpool at the weekend to boost their hopes of promotion. 

It was a potentially tricky game, with Mick McCarthy just being appointed as manager of the Tangerines, but it was one Boro overcame relatively comfortably.

Blackpool had chances, but Boro confidently put chances away, showing everything why they could be serious contenders for the top two.

Sheffield United drew 0-0 with Rotherham, meaning the gap to the automatics shrank to ten points, which is still a significant gap. However, the win served as a reminder to many that maybe the top two race isn't over just yet.

That's certainly the opinion of utility man Paddy McNair, as he just suggested Boro might not be out of the race for the Premier League just yet.

Speaking to the Northern Echo, McNair said: "I don't know where we are in the form table but we're on a great run. We just need to keep that going.

"The main thing is we keep winning games and you never know. If we keep winning games and concentrate on ourselves we'll put the pressure on and you just never know."

McNair found himself out of the side earlier in the season and seemingly out of his manager's plans having not played a minute in Carrick's first nine games in charge.

In the absence of Dael Fry though, McNair has stepped up and performed well, getting on the scoresheet against Blackpool which will certainly improve his chances of staying within the side.

McNair stepping in though only highlights the quality within this Boro side, with the strength in depth likely to play a key factor in helping Boro push for promotion.

The Verdict

With Sheffield United dropping points and showing some vulnerability in recent weeks, it does open up the automatic promotion race.

It's the stage in the season where games are needing to be ground out, and with the Blades having to do so, it could give Boro a way in should they continue their winning streak.

The odds are slim for Boro, but while they're confident and winning games, it can't be ruled out until it's mathematically impossible.