Grant Leadbitter reveals whether he thinks Middlesbrough can secure a spot in the play-offs

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter is backing Boro to sneak into the play-offs on the final day of the season.

At present, Chris Wilder’s side are sitting just outside of the Championship‘s top six in seventh, two points behind Luton Town (sixth) and Sheffield United (fifth).

That means that even if they win their final game against Preston, they need one of the teams above them to slip up.

Leadbitter, though, thinks they will do it.

“I think they’re going to nick in there, I really do. I really hope they do it,” Leadbitter told the Hartlepool Mail.

“If you can nick into that sixth or fifth spot the momentum is then with you a little bit in the play-offs in the Championship.”

Reaching the top six would mark a good achievement for Boro this season, considering that they were 14th in the league when Chris Wilder took them over in November.

Leadbitter also took time to praise the job that Wilder has done on Teesside.

“It’s absolutely brilliant the job he’s done.” Leadbitter explained, when discussing Wilder.

“I’ve met him a few times. He’s a really good guy, I like him a lot.

“I think he’s brought something to Middlesbrough that they maybe haven’t had since Aitor (Karanka) was there and brought a connection and a togetherness between the players and fans and I love that.

“But whatever happens, I do think Chris will be a success at Middlesbrough and most importantly I believe he’s a good fella.”

Middlesbrough travel to face Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm.

A lot has to go right for Middlesbrough to sneak into the top six on Saturday.

They have to take care of their own business first and foremost, and get the job done against Preston, which will be no easy feat.

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