Aitor Karanka has claimed that he is preparing for the biggest game of his life ahead of Middlesbrough's meeting with Brentford in the first leg of their playoff semi-final.

The Spaniard, who served as Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, admits that he is excited by the challenge of facing the Bees over two legs as he bids to take the club back to the Premier League for the first time since 2009.

"This is the biggest game of my life, without a doubt. It is the first time that I have played for something," Karanka told reporters.

"I have been here 18 months and the first season was just to know the team, and this season we were fighting until the last second and now we have to play the playoffs.

"For me it's a very good and important challenge because I have never been in a situation like this before. Of course I have experience as a player, and with Jose, and all are different, but I hope I am ready and I am loving every single second."

Karanka's side finished fourth in the table, seven points ahead of Brentford.