Alex Neil has claimed that there could not be a better mood in the Norwich City squad ahead of their crucial meeting with promotion rivals Middlesbrough on Friday night.

A victory for either side would move them to the top of the table before Bournemouth and Watford return to action on Saturday, and Neil is happy with the confidence he has seen in his players as they look to boost their bid for automatic promotion.

"It's a huge game for both clubs. Whichever team comes out on top - if there is a winner - will have a huge advantage going into the remaining two games," the Canaries boss told the club's website.

"We're really confident, we're in a good place the moment. We know what our task is, and if we play at our full potential, then we can beat anyone in the league. We've got to make sure we hit those heights in the game tomorrow night.

"For both teams, a win is what is needed. We'll go into the game with the approach of trying to do that, and I'm sure they will be the same."

Norwich are on a five-match winning run and have suffered just one defeat in their last 16 Championship games.