Gareth Southgate refused to be downcast even though Middlesbrough squandered a host of chances and had to settle for a point at Blackburn.Central defender David Wheater opened the scoring with his third goal in five games on 13 minutes.

Blackburn hit back and drew level in the 75th minute when Matt Derbyshire scored at the back post.

However Jeremie Aliadiere should have sealed victory for Middlesbrough in stoppage time but headed over the bar from close range.

His glaring miss came after Tuncay mis-kicked with the goal at his mercy and Wheater hit the underside of the bar with another effort.

Southgate said: "We missed some gilt edged chances to wrap the game up and that is disappointing. We should have had them dead and buried before the equaliser.

"But I have to give great credit to my players. They have a strength and resilience about them away from home now. They are prepared to battle and scrap. We have gained another point on our travels and taken another step forward. There are some encouraging signs."

Southgate and his assistant Colin Cooper had a brief flare-up with Blackburn boss Mark Hughes on the touchline in the second half.

Hughes admitted being mischievous, rolling the ball into play and hitting Aliadiere on the back.

"The fact of the matter is I saw a couple of centre halves I used to do battle with and reverted to type," he quipped.

"It was pre-meditated, the crowd was flat and it was the best thing I did.

"I just felt Middlesbrough were running the clock down and we needed to raise the momentum."

Southgate made light of the incident as well when he said: "I never used to front Mark Hughes up on the field! It is important I protect my players. We both want to win and there is no problem."

Hughes may have reaped the benefits nine minutes later in the 75th minute when his side equalised but he was disappointed with their overall performance.

He said: "It makes it very difficult to control the momentum at home when you are chasing games. This was another match where we have gone behind and this is happening too often.

"We we were better in the second half and there was a lot more energy in our play. However we will take the point which extends our unbeaten run to five games, which is decent."

Meanwhile Southgate is hoping to tie 20-year-old Wheater up on a long-term deal.

Southgate said: "Talks are ongoing and we are a long way down the line to sorting that out. He is a local lad and this is a club that gives young players a chance.

"David is having a terrific season and standing up to top international players. He is at a lovely stage in his career and it is great to watch."

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