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MIDDLESBROUGH v BRISTOL CITY - SOUTHGATE SEES ROUTE TO EUROPE
Gareth Southgate has called on his Middlesbrough players to view the FA Cup as their best chance of playing European football next season.
Boro prepare to tackle Coca-Cola League One side Bristol City in tonight's FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Riverside knowing another home tie awaits them if they progress.
If Boro overcome the Robins at the second attempt they will host Championship side West Brom, setting up the prospect of an appearance in the latter stages of the prestigious competition.
Southgate said: "I have told my players they are only four matches away from the final of the FA Cup, and the first two of these fixtures are potentially at home.
"We will give Bristol City the greatest respect because we have already seen what they are capable of doing (during their 2-2 draw last month).
"But if we can make home advantage count then we will qualify for another home fixture.
"I certainly don't intend to look too far ahead, but in a competition where you are only four games from the final then you have to go for it, especially as Europe is up for grabs for the winners.
"We have played some good football lately and improved our situation. I have already stressed that the league is my priority, but the further you go in the cup then the more determined you become to stay there."
Boro reached the semi-finals on two occasions under previous boss Steve McClaren, losing to West Ham last year.
That match was sandwiched between Boro's two UEFA Cup semi-finals against Romanian side Steaua Bucharest and Southgate admits that Boro had their minds on other things at the time.
He said: "It was a pity that the West Ham semi-final came as it did, because when you are on the verge of reaching a UEFA Cup final your mind is focused elsewhere.
"That was a disappointing day for all of us at Villa Park last year and it would be nice to have the opportunity to make up for it.
"But first things first, and we have to make sure that we are fully primed to beat Bristol City.
"They will come here prepared to give it everything they have got, because they have the same prize at stake, and that's a home draw in the next round."
Southgate will again be without defender Jonathan Woodgate, who has a tight hamstring, and also intends to give a late fitness test to former Sunderland man Julio Arca, who suffered an ankle injury at the weekend.
New signing Dong-Gook Lee will have to wait for his Boro debut because he is ineligible.
The South Korea international could be handed his first taste of English football on Saturday if Boro earn a showdown with West Brom, while Woodgate should also be ready for that game.
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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