Adam Clayton: Middlesbrough excited by Championship return

Adam Clayton played in Middlesbrough's play-off final defeat by Norwich at Wembley in May

Middlesbrough hope to end two weeks of frustration with a win against QPR in the Championship on Friday, says midfielder Adam Clayton.

Boro lost 3-0 at promotion rivals Hull City before the international break, ending a four-game unbeaten streak.

The defeat left the Teessiders four points behind the Tigers, who are top of the table, after 16 games.

"We're excited for Friday," Clayton, 26, told BBC Tees. "We want to start the month well and get off with a win."

He added: "When the games are coming thick and fast you get into a rhythm, you can scratch wins off and if you lose you can put it right instead of waiting."

Middlesbrough saw their four-game unbeaten run in all competitions ended by Hull City in their last outing

Aitor Karanka's side missed out on promotion last season, losing to Norwich City in the play-off final at Wembley - and a return to the Premier League is again the priority this term.

"We're confident we can win every game," Clayton added.

"The Hull game was never a 3-0. We lost the ball on the halfway line when the game felt more than comfortable and they scored a minute before half-time.

"Goals change games, but George Friend had a chance after half-time which, had it gone in, it's different. So the confidence hasn't been knocked at all.

"We know we're a good team, especially at the Riverside, and if we go out and play our game we'll get the crowd behind us and get the win."