ADAM CLAYTON believes Middlesbrough’s position in the Championship promotion race won’t become clear until after Christmas.

The Teessiders sit third in the table following Saturday’s stalemate with second-placed Bournemouth, in which they missed the chance to go top for the first time in two years.

One defeat in 12 matches has put Aitor Karanka’s men in a strong position going into the festive period, but Boro fans are well aware that being near the top around Christmas means very little.

Two seasons ago, Tony Mowbray led his side to the league summit, but after Christmas the wheels came off and they finished a lowly 16th, five points above the relegation zone.

Clayton wasn’t around then, but having spent the majority of his career playing in the Championship, the former Manchester City trainee knows it won’t be time to start talking about automatic promotion until well into the New Year.

“We are 17 games in. We can’t get excited just yet,” Clayton said. “Middlesbrough were top of the league a couple of years ago and went on a bad run so no one can get carried away.

“I don’t think the manager will let anyone take their foot of the gas, which is a good thing. We’ve just got to keep playing how we are and attracting the fans to the Riverside.

“If we can stay there or thereabouts up to Christmas we will know a lot more then.

“We’ve got to try and get some momentum going over that period and come out of it still in the top two or three.”

Since arriving from Huddersfield Town in the summer, Clayton has forged a formidable partnership with Grant Leadbitter in the Teessiders’ midfield.

The pair have dominated in some games and on Saturday Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe instructed his players to press Boro’s central midfielders.

Leadbitter and Clayton share their attacking and defensive responsibilities, and the 25-year-old believes they complement each other well.

He said: “We are quite similar types of players, but if I go forward Grant knows to sit and vice versa.

“We can both do the jobs of attacking and defending so it works quite well. It’s not rigid when one of us does one and the other does the opposite. I think it’s a nice combination.”

Karanka has assembled a strong squad in order to mount a serious promotion challenge with competition high for a place in his starting line-up.

Leadbitter and Clayton’s form has limited Dean Whitehead’s involvement, but with the second half of a gruelling season to come, the Manchester-born midfielder believes everyone will get their chance.

“We’ve got people like Deano ready to come in and that keeps you on your toes,” Clayton said.

“I think the gaffer has got 22 good Championship players and I think some of them are good enough to play in the Premier League as well. Every player is capable and that’s down to the manager.

“That’s what he wanted and he’s done that very well. He’s got to keep everyone happy when they’re not playing, but at the moment he’s doing that. Training’s good, everyone is enjoying it and we’re winning so we can’t argue.”

Meanwhile, Boro youngster Brad Halliday is training with Scunthorpe with the view to joining the League One outfit on loan.

Middlesbrough have sold over 4,000 tickets for the trip to Wigan a week on Saturday with around 800 left on sale.

Tickets can be purchased from mfc.co.uk, the Riverside Stadium ticket office or by phoning 0844 499 1234.