Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate believes his side's 3-1 win over Hull has given the club renewed hope of avoiding Premier League relegation.

"We stood up and answered questions being posed internally and externally," Southgate said after Boro won for only the second time in 20 league games.

"It was crucial. We're still there fighting and you just never know."

"There is still a huge amount to do but maybe other teams have got something to lose and, frankly, we haven't."

Middlesbrough were five points adrift of safety before digging deep for victory against fellow strugglers Hull, a result that could change the side's fortunes according to Southgate.

It was a must-win game because of the impact on the other teams at the bottom Gareth Southgate

"The reason it was a must-win game was because of the impact on the other teams at the bottom, Hull City being one of them.

"If the season ends tomorrow we are down, so we have less to lose now, but we're looking upwards. Can we get back into the race? Possibly we can now."

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