MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate had some post-match words of comfort for Roy Keane after Boro's 3-1 Championship win at the Riverside.

Elvin King

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate had some post-match words of comfort for Roy Keane after Boro's 3-1 Championship win at the Riverside.

“Roy had new players coming in and they will need time to settle in,” said Southgate, whose position remained secure despite relegation last season.

“The Championship is a very competitive league and it takes time for a manager to put his imprint on a club.”

Southgate admitted his team were not at their best but felt the quality of their finishing was key to the outcome.

“I thought we were laboured at times, particularly in the second half when Ipswich had so much of the ball,” he said.

“I though the quality of the goals was excellent and I was delighted that Jeremie Aliadiere came off the bench and made an impact.

“But the game wasn't as easy for us as the scoreline suggests. We were made to work hard and we lost concentration at the end and gave away a soft penalty and the clean sheet. We need to be more ruthless.”