Middlesbrough defender David Wheater is hoping the 2-1 FA Cup success at Bristol City will spark the revival that will boost the club's precarious Barclays Premier League position.

The 20-year-old netted the winner at Ashton Gate to ensure there was no need for a replay this time round, with the two clubs having met in the fourth round last season.

Gareth Southgate's side needed penalties on that occasion following two 2-2 draws but this time Boro were able to make class tell even though City are now a successful Championship side having moved up from League One.

Wheater, who was deputising for hamstring victim Jonathan Woodgate, reckoned Boro's performance in a game many had predicted they would lose was proof that a move up the league table, where they are currently sixth from bottom, should now follow.

He said: "With the players we have got we should be at least in the top 10.

"We felt comfortable in the match and hopefully the result will spur us on to build a run in the Premier League.

"We have some good players so I am not surprised we were able to come here and dominate."

City, who are third in the Coca-Cola Championship and level on points with leaders West Brom, were a disappointment after a stirring opening spell which saw defender Liam Fontaine put them in front.

Stewart Downing capitalised on some poor goalkeeping from Adriano Basso to equalise before the break and the second half belonged to Boro, who went ahead via the move of the match.

England full-back Luke Young and midfielder Lee Cattermole combined to set up Wheater, whose progress from the back had gone unnoticed by his opponents.

He said: "I just had a feeling it was the right time to push forward. Usually I only go up for corners and free-kicks but I knew when Lee got the ball he would deliver the right cross.

"I was pleased to finish it off, although the ball may have gone in off my studs."

City manager Gary Johnson instructed his players to treat the defeat as a lesson on the differences between the Championship and the Premier League.

He said: "The Premiership is about 90 minutes of non-stop, aggressive, committed and clever football not 20 minutes, 40 minutes or 60 minutes.

"They need to watch the Premiership and learn from it because you watch it on your telly while you are having a cup of tea and you don't realise how quick it is and the ability in it for 90 minutes.

"Our team needed to show a bit more mental toughness. We only played for 20 minutes and then we watched Middlesbrough knock it around, which was disappointing.

"We have improved from last year, of course we have, but it is not one game that tells you whether you are anywhere near the Premiership, it is lots of games.

"We know we have things to learn and individuals have got to be better. We also need a stronger squad because Middlesbrough had three or four players out and could handle it."

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