Marcus Bent is adamant new boss Gordon Strachan is the right man to lead Middlesbrough to promotion. Two 1-0 defeats in his opening games have seen Boro slip out of the Championship play-off places.

Bent, who has joined the club on loan from Birmingham, is confident of the managers abilities and is also hoping that his short-term deal with Boro can be made into a permanent switch.

"He (Strachan) knows what he's talking about, instils confidence and has a presence," said the experienced striker.

"You want to work hard and achieve something with him.

"He's got plenty of time to put things right, and he will."

Bent added: "I would love my deal to become permanent in January and get myself and Boro back in the Premier League."