CONFIDENT boss Steve McClaren believes Middlesbrough's home form could be the major factor behind his side continuing to climb away from the relegation zone.
McClaren, whose team have only lost once on home soil since September 29th's 3-1 defeat to Southampton, is convinced that his players can now win more of their games at the Riverside.
Four of Boro's next five matches are on Teesside, including an FA Cup fifth round clash with Blackburn Rovers, and the former Manchester United No 2 is hopeful of a few good results.
And by starting with a victory over Charlton tomorrow afternoon, McClaren insists that the belief will then be instilled for forthcoming encounters with Leeds, Blackburn, Leicester and West Ham at Upton Park.
"When we have got that many home games we have to be looking to pick up points," he said.
"And following the successes over Man. United and Sunderland we must take those on now.
"When we perform like we have done recently we have shown we can be a good team.
"Some players have shown tremendous character and commitment all through the season and that has shown in the recent results.
"There's still a long way to go. We have had two great results but they mean nothing unless we follow those up with a third and then a fourth.
"Consistency will get us out of trouble, we have had a good run before but still not had the consistency to keep out of trouble.
"And with four games out of the five being at home we have got to try to get that consistency and take this opportunity of pulling away from the bottom three.
"Home supporters are very, very important to the players and we need as many packed into the Riverside as possible to create an atmosphere."
Just three points separate Everton in 18th and Bolton, holders of the final relegation place, and McClaren indicated how all the club's fighting at the bottom have a chance of surviving.
"It's finely balanced at the present moment and we are all hoping to get a string of results to get us out of the chasing pack," said the England coach.
"There's 15 or 16 games left and teams have won three out of their last five to get out of the relegation zone in previous seasons, so Leicester and Derby are not out of it.
"I think it's a critical stage of the season where we have won our last two but they will not mean anything unless we follow that up with a victory against Charlton.
"We have been in this situation before and we are not taking anything for granted."
Boro are expected to play with three at the back against the Addicks after successes playing that way in their last two matches.
And McClaren, who preferred a flat back four before those results, admits that his defence have looked stronger in a triumvirate in recent outings.
"You look at the players and their strengths and then you try to play to the system best suited to them," said McClaren, who has named Gianluca Festa in the Boro squad despite his sending off at the Stadium of Light for spitting.
"Early on in the season we had great success with the four at the back and we have also shown at times our adaptability by changing from a four to a three at the back.
"That gives you great hope to know that when something in the game is not going well we have got the flexibility to change systems, which ultimately can change the course of the game."
Meanwhile, McClaren has been linked with Livingston striker David Fernandez.
The former Deportivo La Coruna and Airdrie man has been starring in the Scottish Premier League this season and has attracted scouts from a host of clubs including Glasgow giants Rangers.
Read more about the Boro here.
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