AITOR KARANKA insisted he never doubted his team’s mental strength after Middlesbrough returned to the top of the Championship last night.

The Teessiders put Saturday’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday firmly behind them with a comprehensive 3-0 win over struggling Millwall.

Patrick Bamford and Kike got the ball rolling with first half strikes before substitute Jelle Vossen grabbed a third late on.

Derby’s defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion meant Karanka’s men climbed back to the top of the pile after their automatic promotion credentials were questioned in the last week.

Defeats to Leeds United and Wednesday led to concerns their push for promotion was in jeopardy, but the head coach was confident his players would get back to winning ways.

“I didn’t have any doubt that the players would have this reaction,” Karanka said. “Everything was perfect, because it was a very difficult game after our defeat in Sheffield. I am very proud of all of them.

“We are back to normal. After the game on Saturday everything was going to be very difficult. This was our eighth game in less than a month and Saturday will be our ninth so I can understand that the players are a little bit tired. Not in their legs, but a mental tiredness.”

Karanka has bemoaned his striker’s form in front of goal recently but the head coach was delighted to see Bamford, Kike and Vossen all get on the score sheet.

The Spaniard believes their form will be key in the final 11 games and hopes their goals against Ian Holloway’s side will breed confidence.

He said: “I am very pleased because all of them have scored a goal. We need their goals because if you look at the table at the teams below us their strikers have 40-plus goals.

“I knew our strikers would start to score and they will make the difference. We are a very consistent team and I could feel that all of them would score. Now they are confident and that’s important for us.”

Boro head to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday and after seeing Vossen return from injury the Spaniard almost has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Daniel Ayala is expected to return next week, while long-term absentee Damia Abella is three weeks away from playing, and Karanka believes the strength and depth in his squad could give the Teessiders the edge in the title race.

“We are coming to the most important period in the league with everyone fit. It is important that all of them are ready to play and are fit because now is the key.”