Strachan has lost 19 of his 45 games in charge of Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough midfielder Kevin Thomson says that manager Gordon Strachan is the right man to lead the club back to the Premier League.

Boro, who relegated from the top flight in May 2009, currently lie 18th in the Championship, just three points above the relegation zone.

But Thomson told BBC Tees: "People who question if he's the man for the job need to look in the mirror.

"We've got a great manager, he's the man to get us in the right direction."

Former Celtic boss Strachan has recently come in for criticism from Didier Digard, who is on a season-long loan at Nice.

"The players and the manager will come under pressure when results don't go our way and there's fans unrest and frustration," added Thomson.

"We've got the squad and certainly the individual talent to compete and win this league.

"Unfortunately we haven't got off to the best start but the lads are working hard, sweating their guts out there on the training field to get things up and running.

"The boys are a great group, we like to socialise together, a good blend of experience and talent coming through.

"There's not many players you would swap in this team for any others in the Championship."

Strachan, who took over from Gareth Southgate as Boro boss in October 2009, has won 13 of his 45 games in charge at the club, with 19 defeats.

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