'It could have been a different game' - Hackney

Middlesbrough were unable to capitalise on second-half momentum as they fell to a 3-1 defeat by Championship leaders Leeds United on Tuesday.

But for captain Hayden Hackney, the loss has not dented his confidence.

"We can compete with the highest teams," Hackney told BBC Radio Tees.

"Although the result hasn't gone for us, I think we've showed that if those chances do fall and we do put our chances away - especially in the second half - it could have been a different game."

Boro equalised early into the second half after Leeds defender Max Wober headed the ball into his own net from a Dan Barlaser corner.

The visitors then had the opportunity to go ahead through Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, but Leeds keeper Illan Meslier came off his line to smother the attack.

The home side soon took the lead themselves before sealing the win through Brenden Aaronson in injury time.

However, Hackney is not spending too much time rueing lost chances.

"We will take the positives from this. We will look at the game, see what we can do better and go again on Saturday," the midfielder added.

Middlesbrough host Millwall at the weekend (15:00 GMT).

You can listen to the full post-match reaction on BBC Sounds.