Aitor Karanka has insisted that he will not use the closing stages of the season as an opportunity to experiment with his Middlesbrough team.

The Spaniard's team are currently 15th in the Championship, but Karanka claims that changing his approach is not an option, despite seeing his side fall out of contention for a playoff spot much earlier than expected.

"I don't do experiments," the former Real Madrid assistant coach told the Northern Echo. "I think experiments are for pre-season or not in the league.

"I prepare for every game 100 per cent. It's not the right place to experiment. I go to win the game, not experiment."

Middlesbrough face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.