Aitor Karanka says Middlesbrough's draw with Everton was 'positive'

Aitor Karanka was encouraged by Middlesbrough's display against Everton and said the goalless draw provided a "positive point".

Boro were looking for their first Premier League win since December 17 to help them pull away from the relegation zone.

But they could not find the breakthrough at the Riverside, with substitute Rudy Gestede going closest with a late header that was tipped over by Joel Robles.

"The performance and attitude was perfect," Boro head coach Karanka told Sky Sports. "Against a really good team, who came in really good form.

"Once again like we did in our last games against West Ham, West Brom and Tottenham we competed against them.

"It's a positive point, the last four games against teams in the top half we have competed and should have won some of them, that's the way. When we are playing against teams in the relegation battle we should win."

While Robles denied Gestede late on, it was Boro's Victor Valdes who was the busier goalkeeper, saving from Romelu Lukaku in the first half and twice from Ademola Lookman.

"Victor has been amazing for us since he arrived," said Karanka. "He has come from a long injury and needed to recover his confidence, but I knew when he did he would be a really important player."

Karanka also praised the support from the stands, saying: "The atmosphere was amazing, they have to support and encourage them. Going together it will be easier."