Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick wants his players to recharge their batteries during the international break ready for the long winter slog.
Boro are seventh in the Championship, one point outside the play-offs after scoring nine goals in wins over QPR and Luton Town.
It is their highest position of the season, but rather than worry about losing momentum, Carrick believes it is time to take stock.
“It’s that time of year for the boys to take a deep breath,” he told BBC Radio Tees.
Boro resume with a trip to Oxford United on 23 November where they will aim for a third consecutive win for the first time since March.
But with visits to Burnley and Leeds United to come before Christmas, it is set to be a very important time to shape the Teessiders’ season.
“There’s a long winter and a load of football ahead and hopefully plenty of good times,” Carrick added.
“We’ve had a good little blast, but this feels like a time to freshen up.”
