‘Our hearts and our minds’ – Chris Wilder addresses Derby, Middlesbrough situation ahead of Riverside clash

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder has urged his players to concentrate on producing a good performance and ignore “noise surrounding the game” against Derby County on Saturday. 

Wilder’s side welcome the Rams to the Riverside on Saturday at a tense period between the two clubs.

Boro owner Steve Gibson’s claim against the East Midlands club is one of the issues holding up a potential takeover, with the businessman said to want compensation after Derby beat them to a play-off place in 2018/19 while flouting profitability and sustainability rules.

Speaking after the 2-2 draw with QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium last night, Wilder addressed the situation and urged his players to maintain their focus.

He said: “That’s got nothing to do with the players so we have to get on to produce a performance.

“As I said, there will be a lot of noise surrounding the game. We have to play with our hearts and our minds, which any team that wants to produce a good performance has to and we have to concentrate on that.”

Boro were unlucky to only come away with a point against the R’s last night but it leaves them in seventh – outside the top six on goal difference.

Derby, meanwhile, beat Hull City 3-1 on Tuesday night to move within four points of survival as they chase what would be a remarkable escape from relegation.

The Verdict

There are going to be plenty of eyes on Saturday’s game at the Riverside amid the off-field issues between the two clubs.

Emotions are going to be running high in the stands and it will be interesting to see whether that will translate onto the pitch.

It’s no surprise that Wilder wants to ensure it doesn’t as he’ll feel confident his side have got the quality to beat the Rams.

The Boro boss won’t be