Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka was delighted with victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

Karanka was happy with a first top-flight victory of his reign at the second attempt.

He said: "I am really pleased, especially for the players, because once again after the game last Saturday, they have shown that we are ready to play in the Premier League.

"I am especially pleased for our fans because we wave been waiting six or seven years to live another derby and after six or seven years, we have won the game, so I am really really pleased for them because they were supporting us when we were in the Championship and they deserve to enjoy it."

Karanka was particularly pleased with Stuani's contribution on a day when Boro took another step towards proving that they belong in the big time.

He said: "I have said always that we can't make mistakes because in the Premier League, there are a lot of quality players. But also, we have a lot of quality players.

"Last week, it was Alvaro Negredo; this week, it was been Stuani; next week, it can be another one. For that reason, I am really pleased.

"The club this summer has been working really well behind the scenes because we have had almost all the squad since we arrived to start pre-season."