Boateng spurred on by semi setback

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng will use the gnawing pain of FA Cup semi-final heartache as motivation in his quest for UEFA Cup glory tomorrow night.

The 30-year-old Dutchman will be on familiar territory at the PSV Stadium in Eindhoven as he and his team-mates attempt to put the finishing touches to their remarkable European run against Sevilla.

Having seen a chance to lift the FA Cup wrenched from his grasp by West Ham last month, Boateng is not prepared to experience the bitter taste of defeat again.

“You cannot hide anymore. It’s everything or nothing,” he said.

“In a way, I feel we have achieved quite a lot this year.

“To get to the final is, on its own, a big, big achievement. But we have to win to say that we have succeeded as a team.”