The Potters manager said: "I'm disappointed. They [Middlesbrough] have lost their last five but there is too much naivety - we make poor decisions at times - which means either a promising move breaks down or we take the wrong option.

Good evening from the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City host Middlesbrough in a big match for both clubs. This game was rearranged from earlier in the month due to Stoke's FA Cup fourth round tie against Cardiff and Stoke and Boro can both see the difference that a game in hand could make in a tight Championship table.

Michael Carrick played down the significance of Middlesbrough ’s first win in six Championship games on his own position after his team’s 3-1 victory at Stoke.