Jonny Howson sends Middlesbrough message to Leeds United

Leeds United have been sent a Championship promotion warning by their former player Jonny Howson.

The 36-year-old is now plying his trade for fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough, who are currently sixth in the table.

The Teesiders have won just two of their last five matches, including a 3-1 defeat to the Whites, and are eight points behind the Elland Road club in the table.

However, Howson warned his old club that Boro can still catch them in an interview with BBC Radio Tees [14 December], saying: "We're sixth but we should be going higher rather than accepting where we are.

"It is only when you are top you are not chasing someone. With this squad, I don't see why we can't be going for the top two and chasing them down."

Leeds United need to focus on themselves

Daniel Farke's side must avoid getting caught up in focusing on results of the teams around them.

They must focus on their own performances and results rather than concerning themselves with what others are doing.

The German will be keen to avoid a repeat on last season where the Whites missed out on promotion on the final day then lost to Southampton in the playoff final.

To do that, he must stay focused on what Leeds need to do and ensure that standards do not drop after another team's result goes their way.

With a razor-close promotion battle at the top of the Championship, the Whites cannot afford many mistakes with Burnley, Sunderland, Blackburn and Boro chasing them down.

Leeds just need to keep their composure and remain focused on their job and that should be enough to take them back up to the Premier League.

In other Leeds news, Illan Meslier could lose his spot between the sticks after the Whites signed a new goalkeeper.

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