Gray Expects Tough Middlesbrough Test

- Boro travel to King Power Stadium one place behind City in the Premier League table

- The Foxes go into the clash on the back of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last-16

- Gray insists focus must now be on the Premier League after beating Club Brugge on Tuesday

City go into the Premier League clash after the 2-1 victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, a result which confirmed their status as winners of Group G, but Gray says he is expecting a stern test from Boro. 

Aitor Karanka’s side are one place below City in 15th in the Premier League table with two victories from their opening 12 matches since securing promotion from the Championship. 

“It’s going to be a tough game,” Gray said on Thursday. “They’re not easy to break down and don’t concede too many goals. 

“We know what to expect and obviously with the result at home – if we can take that performance into the weekend then we can give them a good go and get the three points. 

“If we start like we did against Brugge then there’s not much that can stop us. If we get the right start and result at the weekend then we need to keep that momentum. 

“They have some good players and out wide too. We need a strong start and to put in a good performance to get the three points. 

“I saw a few of their games and they’re difficult to break down but if we’re on it we can break down anyone. 

“I played against them in the Championship. They were one of the top teams, I know what to expect and so do the lads. It won’t be an easy game but goals will be scored.” 

Gray made a 22 minute cameo on Tuesday night as City overcame Brugge and the former Birmingham City winger says the experience of playing in European football’s top tier competition has been a valuable one. 

“Obviously it’s a great achievement for the Club and the players involved,” he added. 

“I think after doing such a big thing, we’re just excited to go through to the next stage. It’s a good feeling to take into the game at the weekend.”