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Brentford manager Mark Warburton bullish after first leg defeat to Middlesbrough

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Brentford manager Mark Warburton felt that his side played well on Friday night

Brentford manager Mark Warburton has warned Middlesbrough his side will relish the challenge of the Championship play-off semi-final second leg at the Riverside.

Fernando Amorebieta came off the bench to volley home in injury-time and secure Boro a 2-1 win at Griffin Park on Friday night - but Warburton is adamant his side operate best with their backs to the wall.

"The character of this group has been without question," he said. "They have shown time and time again what they are made of.

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"We have won at tough venues, scored late goals and got out of difficult situations. There is unity in the dressing room and we have to rely on that next week.

"Everyone seems to think we are out of this now. That is when we are at our most dangerous.

"There are 90 minutes left and we have to win. We are a goal down in a cup tie. It will be a great occasion and we have to go there and maximise it."

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Middlesbrough captain Grant Leadbitter is also warning his side against complacency.

The midfielder said: "It was good to win but we know next week is going to be really tough.

"Brentford are good side and a good possession team. We've got the advantage but we know next week is going to be just as tough, so we have to come out of the blocks just as quickly.

"We knew it was going to be a 180-minute game so we go into next week knowing we've got to be wary because Brentford are a good team - but we'll be full of confidence."

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