Full-back Hoyte joined Boro from Arsenal in August 2008

Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte says the club are targeting the Championship title as they aim to get straight back into the Premier League.

"All the coaches have drummed into us that we want don't just want to go up, we want to win the league," he said.

"Relegation really hurt. When we came back, you could see people's heads were down but we've put that behind us now.

"Everyone wants to play for the club and get Boro back in the Premier League where we belong."

Gareth Southgate's side play a friendly with Carlisle on Saturday before travelling to Oldham on Wednesday night for a hastily arranged match, after their planned game with Darlington was cancelled.

We're looking sharp and very fit - we're just raring to go. Justin Hoyte

They will also travel to Millwall for a final warm-up game a week before they open the new Championship season at home to Sheffield United.

A 5-0 win at Dumbarton in midweek means Boro have won both of their pre-season games so far, and former Arsenal and Sunderland defender Hoyte, 24, says that stands them in good stead for the new season.

"No matter who we play, it's good to get five goals and for defenders to keep a clean sheet," he said.

"That's what we need to do this season - work hard as a team, score goals and keep clean sheets at the other end.

"The games coming up will be different challenges and it's just building us up and getting us ready for the start of the season.

"We're looking sharp and very fit - we're just raring to go."

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