It's always tempting to look at "what might have been" when we exit a cup competition.
But Saturday's humiliation against Watford saved the trevelling Toon Army a long trip to either Portsmouth or QPR.
Holders Chelsea will face last year's runners-up Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Boro, if the beat Newport in their replay, host title holders Man City.
The ties will take place between February 15 and 18.
FA Cup fifth-round draw
Bristol City v Shrewsbury/Wolves
AFC Wimbledon v Millwall
Doncaster v Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough/Newport v Man City
Chelsea v Man Utd
Swansea v Barnet/Brentford
Portsmouth/QPR v Watford
Brighton/West Brom v Derby