Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka wants his side to improve their game following their goalless stalemate against Preston North End on Sunday.

Boro lacked the cutting edge efficiency to their game as they failed to trouble Preston's resolute defence with any of their seven attempts in the Championship season opener at Deepdale.

"I said before the game we would be making a big mistake if we think every game will be easy," Karanka said.

"They played very well and were very well organised defensively, and they wanted the ball more than us so we have to improve.

"I am not making excuses. I have a squad that I imagine is better than theirs and they played better than us.

"They were very well organised and we couldn't play in our way."