Boro book United date

LONDON - MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate cannot wait to pit his wits against Alex Ferguson after his side set up an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United.

Southgate's team held their nerve to beat 10-man West Bromwich Albion 5-4 on penalties after their fifth-round replay at The Hawthorns on Tuesday. They had finished 1-1.

Middlesbrough will host Premiership leaders United at the Riverside Stadium on March 10.

Southgate is in his first season as a boss, while Ferguson has been at United for 20 years.

But Southgate, a former England defender, is already dreaming of a win in the biggest match of his short managerial career.

He said: 'Great credit to the players. They rallied themselves and, in the second half, they gave a really good display.

'It looked like we would go on and win it, but we weren't able to take some of the good chances we had. We couldn't finish it in extra-time, but we showed great nerve to finish the penalties.

'The effort we put in was incredible. A lot of people had West Bromwich as favourites to go through. But we not only got the job done, but also came from behind, which showed the character in the dressing room.

'Now, we have a brilliant tie to look forward to against Manchester United at our place.'

Middlesbrough were given a torrid time by their Championship opponents in the first half. Only a heroic display from goalkeeper Brad Jones kept them in the match.

The Australian, deputising for the injured Mark Schwarzer, had denied Richard Chaplow, Zoltan Gera and Nathan Ellington.

Albion finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, Darren Carter unleashing a curling shot that flashed past Jones.

Middlesbrough drew level in the 63rd minute. Stuart Panarby crossed for Australia striker Mark Viduka to send in a shot that deflected off Curtis Davies and past Dean Kiely for his eighth goal in 10 games.

Albion were reduced to 10 men early in extra-time, when Ellington was dismissed for a two-footed lunge on Panarby. But Boro could not make their advantage count.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE