Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan hailed an important win after Boro boosted their play-off hopes by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-0. A pair of penalties from Barry Robson late in the first half secured Boro's victory, although Strachan admits the rest of the game delivered little excitement.

"Until the penalties it was a nothing game," said Strachan. "I was happy with the points and I was happy with the attitude but it wasn't a great game.

"We worked hard but the game was a bit frantic at times. Maybe some of them tried to work too hard. They were enthusiastic, maybe too enthusiastic but that is not a bad problem to have.

"The penalties turned the game though. There was no question over them and even their people admitted that. And I thought maybe we could have had one before that too for an incredible handball that somehow wasn't spotted.

"But I think we worked hard and deserved that result. We have worked hard over the past few games and maybe not got what we deserved.

"As for the play-offs we are still in there with a chance and in that respect today was a huge result for us.

"The last few weeks have been a great test of our character and we have come through that test and are still in with a shout."