Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has played down the significance of his side being made favourites to win the Championship this season.

Boro have been tipped to impress after a summer of strengthening which included Scotland international players Kris Boyd and Kevin Thomson.

"I wouldn't have known that we were favourites," Strachan told BBC Tees.

"The character of the team won't be tested until after Saturday. We can all talk a good game, before the game."

Strachan's side take on Ipswich Town at the Riverside in Saturday's Championship opener.

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