Chris Wilder makes honest Middlesbrough admission ahead of Barnsley cup tie

Boro will host the Tykes in the opening round of the League Cup, which the 54-year old has claimed won’t be a priority fixture for the club.

The former Sheffield United manager believes that he will be judged on his results in the Championship, which have been underwhelming so far this season.

The club have earned just one point from their opening two league games, drawing with West Brom before suffering a 3-2 defeat to West Brom.

Wilder has claimed this weekend’s clash against his former team will pose a greater significance to his side’s campaign and so will be the squad’s focus instead of the visit of Barnsley.

That has seen the Boro manager claim Wednesday night’s game may be an opportunity for some of the more fringe players to impress.

“We look to Wednesday as an opportunity to get that first win of the season,” said Wilder, via Teesside Live.

“I don’t think we’re a million miles off – first half last week and second half this week.

“But, you’ve got to say, we’ve got one point out of six and we can’t hide away from that. We understand that the league is where we’re going to be judged, ultimately. 

“So Wednesday is an opportunity to get some minutes into players, but also it is an opportunity to protect some of them, because I think we all realise the next one [Sheffield United] is quite a big one as well.”

Boro were 3-0 down against QPR before attempting a spirited second half comeback to bring the game back to 3-2.

But the team ran out of steam after the hour mark and were unable to pile the pressure on to find an equaliser.

To compound their misery, Darragh Lenihan was dismissed in stoppage time and so will be suspended for Wednesday night’s game.

Boro enjoyed a successful FA Cup run last season, reaching the