Manner of Boro win pleases Hasselbaink

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was especially pleased by the nature of Middlesbrough’s victory over Roma in the UEFA Cup.

Hasselbaink won the penalty which was converted by Aiyegbeni Yakubu to give the home side a priceless 1-0 win over one of Europe’s form sides at the Riverside tonight.

The Dutch striker told ITV4: “I think we played very well, we didn’t give one chance away and we created a few chances. We were in control.

“Everyone was so focused and determined, we really wanted it today.”

Boro were already on top when Roma keeper Gianluca Curci was penalised for bringing down Hasselbaink, who seemed to go to ground easily – something he admitted.

“You see the goalkeeper coming and you know you have a really small angle to shoot so the only opportunity was for me to dribble.

“To be fair he touched me and I couldn’t keep my balance so I had to do what I had to do.”

Hasselbaink, however, admitted Boro were still only halfway there as they attempt to reach the quarter-finals.

“I think we are very confident the tie is very far from over, we still have a lot to do.”

Boro boss Steve McClaren paid tribute to his side’s display from start to finish but bemoaned their inability to score another goal.

“It was an excellent performance, a great European performance full of experience and discipline.

“I was a little disappointed we didn’t get the second goal. When you get the opportunity you have to take it.”

“Half the job is done and the tie is very evenly balanced.

“We are capable of scoring away from home and there is great spirit in the dressing room.”