Kim Hellberg labelled Middlesbrough’s win over Hull City as the “perfect performance”, but believes they will continue to improve.

Boro beat the Tigers 4-1 at the MKM Stadium, with all four of their goals coming in the first half, to move within seven points of Championship leaders Coventry City.

David Strelec opened the scoring after nine minutes before Alex Gilbert doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark.

Gilbert then turned provider for Morgan Whittaker shortly after, while Riley McGree completed the first-half rout in the 44th minute.

Joe Gelhardt scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot as Hull fell to their third defeat in four games.

Hellberg, on the other hand, became the first Boro boss since Bryan Robson in 1994 to win his first two games, while Whittaker scored in his fourth consecutive match.

The Swedish coach was delighted with their win, but claimed the best is still to come at Boro.

“I enjoyed the beautiful goals, the attitude, the calm on the ball, being brave, it was a perfect performance from the players,” Hellberg told Sky Sports.

“Hull have been very good. It was a little bit of a surprise our players could be so active early.

“I have very good players, a big squad. Alex Gilbert was brilliant in midfield. It makes me very happy. They have so much quality.

“The players want to learn, they are trying to solve things, they are top quality, it's been easy for me thanks to them.

“I'm trying to use what's been good and build on some things. We'll get better.”