Tomas Kalas says Middlesbrough know what it takes to succeed in the Championship, and fancies them to achieve promotion yet again this season.

The Czech defender won promotion with Boro two seasons ago, and expects more of the same from the club despite no longer playing for them and being on loan at fellow promotion rivals Fulham.

Speaking ahead of Fulham’s game against Middlesbrough, the defender admitted that his former side had one of the strongest teams in the Sky Bet Championship.

“They’re always strong,” Kalas told fulhamfc.com.

“They were strong two years ago. They always know what they’re doing, they’ve always got good players and they’re always going to be favourites to get promoted.”

“I would agree that they’ve got one of the strongest squads in the league.”

The 24-year-old was a fan favourite during his time at Middlesbrough, where he made over 40 appearances and helped Aitor Karanka’s men gain promotion to the Premier League.

The Boro have spent a lot on transfers over the course of summer window, and many favour them to achieve promotion and bounce back to the Premier League. They currently sit 7th in the Championship table on 14 points, just three points away from league leaders Leeds.