MIDDLESBROUGH’S backroom team have been identifying “trends” they want to put right as they look to improve on the club’s mixed start to the season.

Boro head to Loftus Road to take on QPR this evening sitting in 11th position in the table, having taken 18 points from the opening 13 games.

There have been some excellent performances, most notably against West Brom and Sheffield United, but also a number of matches in which self-inflicted errors have cost the Teessiders dear.

In general, Michael Carrick has been satisfied with his players’ performance levels, but along with the rest of the coaching staff, the Boro boss has spent the last couple of days attempting to iron out a few specific flaws.

“There’s definitely an element of identifying trends and things that are happening again and again, that we have to look at and put right,” said Carrick. “If it’s just an individual thing or a one-off, then it’s not as much of a theme. But whether it’s concentration levels, or all sorts of different things, we have to try and find a solution.

“I’ve said it a lot though, there are a lot of good things we’re doing. I think if we just keep doing the right things, then we feel over the course of the season we’ll give ourselves a good chance. We’ve got to help ourselves at times as well, though.”

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Boro’s opponents, QPR, sit in the relegation zone, but after a shaky start to the season, Marti Cifuentes’ side have shown signs of improvement in the last few weeks, recording three straight draws against Coventry, Burnley and Sunderland.

They are still to claim their first home win of the season, though, and Carrick wants his players to adopt a confident approach at Loftus Road.

“They (QPR) had a good result at the weekend and went to Burnley recently and got a result there as well,” said the Boro boss. “It proves that, against teams right at the top, they can compete.

“I tend to say the same things a lot about the opposition. Whatever game it is, we know every team is capable in this league. They’re well-organised and well-coached and it will be a tough game.

“But we have to take a lot of belief from performances and what we have done. We beat Sheffield United and played really well at Norwich. I think the key is staying stable and not letting one game, or one part of game, tell the whole story or set the emotion.

“Certainly, for the players and myself and the staff, we concentrate on staying level, positive and taking that into the next two games.”