Mikel dodges question on Boro stay

Middlesbrough midfielder John Obi Mikel insists he’s only thinking about the final four games of the season – rather than his personal contract situation.

The 31-year-old joined Boro on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign in January, after leaving Chinese side Tianjin TEDA last year.

Mikel has become a regular at the Riverside since the move and captained the side in the absence of George Friend during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hull City.

Yet the midfielder says he’s only focused on trying to help Boro win promotion this term, with the Teessiders sitting just one point outside the play-offs.

“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about anything – four games to go, that’s all I’m thinking about,” said Mikel.

“To be honest the next four games is what I’m looking forward to.

“I don’t know what’s happening, I just have to do my job. I’m a Boro player and I’m concentrating on the next four games. Then we’ll see what happens.

“It’s been nice to be captain. It’s always nice to be a captain and lead the team. It’s a great team team with great lads, I’m really honoured – hopefully we can keep winning.”