CHRIS WILDER expects both Middlesbrough and Sheffield United to be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

Wilder’s return to Riverside, just over two years after he was dismissed as Boro boss, was not a happy one last night as Emmanuel Latte Lath’s 77th-minute header condemned his side to a 1-0 defeat.

The result saw Sheffield United drop to fifth place in the Championship table, while Boro rose to eighth, just two points adrift of the play-off positions.

Both clubs were amongst the favourites to win promotion at the start of the season, and while they have already had plenty of ups and downs in the opening two-and-a-half months of action, Wilder feels both are on the right track.

“I’d like to think that was two teams that will be right up there come the end of the season, but nothing’s a given,” said the Blades boss, who spent just under a year in charge of Boro. “You’ve got to work hard for it.

“You can’t just chuck players together. Michael can’t do that – he’s an outstanding coach, and we feel we’ve got some depth and quality in our coaching and managerial department too. Both teams are well-coached and well-drilled.

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“I would expect us to recover from this – it’s a long, old season – and I would also expect, looking at the stats and the games they’ve played so far, that Middlesbrough will have a successful season too. I’d expect them to win games of football and have a positive time.”

Wilder was especially impressed with the quality of Boro’s central midfield, with Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney both playing influential roles in their side’s victory.

“We were playing against two very good central midfielders,” he said. “I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish.

“There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too.

“Then they’re bringing Jonny Howson in as well, who’s not bad either. They’ve got some good players, it’s a strong squad, and I’m sure it’ll go well. They’ll have been delighted with the result.”