Middlesbrough boss Steve Agnew says they're better equipped to handle relegation than Northeast rivals Sunderland.

Black Cats boss David Moyes claimed this week that his club will be the biggest in the Championship next season and will have the edge in attracting players.

But Agnew believes Boro are more likely to gain promotion at the first time of asking given their recent experience of the division.

"If you look at the accumulation of games played in the Championship from a number of our players, then it has to be a head start (over Sunderland)," said the Boro caretaker coach, whose future is yet to be decided.

"I see that as an advantage. I think (Sunderland) have been out of it a long time but they will be like any other football club — they will understand how difficult it is to get out of the Championship and what you need to do to achieve your aim.

"But it's never easy. I know Burnley and Newcastle bounced straight back but automatic promotion is not as easy as people think.

"We have a core group of players with a lot of Championship experience on their CV. I think when you have had success at a level then you are very very confident of achieving the same result again."