Gordon Strachan savoured his first victory as Middlesbrough manager, 5-1 at QPR, and has not ruled out a challenge for automatic promotion. Leroy Lita netted twice with Dave Kitson, Gary O'Neil and Mark Yeates also scoring in a resounding triumph.

Strachan said: "I'm going to enjoy this victory. I saw it coming because we had played well against Peterborough and Crystal Palace.

"We created chances in those games and in this one we scored with our chances. Goals lift you and deflate the other side.

"Our target has been to get into the top six and if you can do that, you can then see if you can catch the big boys."

Strachan added: "I wasn't surprised at Lita's performance given the amount of energy he puts in and Isaiah Osbourne produced a real man's performance in midfield and showed everyone what a good player he is.

"QPR can count themselves a bit unfortunate because the ball went for us today and we scored at crucial times.

"But we've worked hard for that. I believe that if you work hard you will eventually get something and it's finally paid off."