A far from classic encounter saw Alves get a full debut as Boro progressed to the last eight of the FA Cup. Here’s my notes last night’s err…action.

Middlesbrough 1 Sheff United 0

Another dour game for the BBC cameras with a cruel own goal by Paddy Kenny the deciding factor that saw Boro through to the Quarters.

Southgate’s team selection was hit by suspension with both Wheater and Aliadiere serving one and four match bans respectively. Huth failed a fitness test on his foot injury so Hinds came in to partner Pogatetz in the centre of defence with Grounds remaining at left-back. In midfield O’Neil was struggling with a knock so was benched with Boateng starting in his place. Up front, Alves got his first start alongside Mido with Tuncay starting on the bench. Cattermole was back from a knee injury and was alongside him.

Perhaps the most significant point to take from this game is the start for Alves. He looked fairly sharp and, along with Downing, was the chief threat to Sheff United on the night. Alves played 73-minutes here before being replaced by Tuncay. It seems reasonable to expect Alves to start at home to Reading this weekend and his first goal for Boro doesn’t appear to be far away on the evidence of last night’s efforts.

Wheater will return to the lineup this weekend and Huth is also a possibility. Young is suspended and it’s not yet clear who Southgate will draft in to fill the right-back position.

The other point of interest from Boro’s progress is that it means that their Premiership game with Villa, scheduled for March 8, is now postponed but has moved to midweek on March 12. That has little impact on fantasy managers other than giving injured players more time to get over knocks sustained this weekend.