CHRIS RIGGOTT believes Middlesbrough's aspirations of finishing in the top six this season will be just a pipe-dream should they repeatedly fail to hit the heights expected on the pitch.

The defender arrived at that honest conclusion after Sunday's defeat at Everton, when Boro's good run of form was derailed by the Toffees' hard-working approach.

Now Riggott is warning Boro must toughen up and make sure they do not slip up against the likes of Everton in future months; otherwise their hopes will not be fulfilled.

The former Derby County man is convinced the slip-up at Goodison Park was only a one-off, but is urging his teammates to make sure that is the case.

"If we want to be top six then we can't afford to lose games like Everton," said Riggott, knowing second-placed Chelsea are next on the horizon this weekend. "We didn't play well but we should have ground out a result. It didn't work out for us but we will now go again on Saturday and look to bounce back.

"The team spirit in the camp is great. When the chips are down we know we can pull together and take things on.

"It's not the end of the world but the Everton result was a set back. We have the basis of a good team but we have got to keep improving."

Riggott also backed manager Steve McClaren's call for Boro to familiarise themselves with the 'European factor' after starting their first UEFA Cup campaign.

After the scintillating first leg victory over Banik Ostrava last Thursday, Boro were unable to repeat the achievement on Merseyside.

But, with progress to the group stage of the UEFA Cup seemingly inevitable, two matches in four days will be something McClaren's men will have to come to terms with.

Riggott concurs, suggesting this continent's elite have all shown over the years they can cope with a hectic schedule and now it is Middlesbrough's turn.

"To play in Europe was great and we knew it was going to be difficult playing a few days after but that's one of those things we have got to get used to," said the 24-year-old.

"Playing in Europe is great and we would not want it any other way.

"Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all done it and we have to look at that and grind out results.

"We won two out of the three games we had over those eight days. But we wanted at least a draw at Everton and that was the minimum."

Riggott has started all but one of Boro matches this season - having come on as a substitute in the win over Birmingham on September 11.

The ex-England Under 21 international is set for an even longer run in the side with Ugo Ehiogu ruled out with a calf problem.

And Riggott suggested his partnership with Gareth Southgate in the centre of defence is helping the younger of the two develop his game.

"I really enjoy playing with Gareth and I could not really hand pick anyone better to play alongside in the Premiership. He's very vocal and he guides you through games superbly. He is a real help to me and that's good for my game," he said.

* Supporters whose applications have been successful for tickets for the trip to Banik Ostrava should receive their tickets by the middle of this week.

Boro spokesman Dave Allan said: "As everyone is now aware, we received an allocation of just 900 tickets, which was hugely oversubscribed.

"Naturally, therefore, there will be many disappointed supporters.

"However, we trust they will understand that it was impossible for us to satisfy demand. Those supporters whose applications have not been successful will, of course, have their payment returned in full."

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