No Smoggy Cup Glory For Sammy Ameobi!

Last updated : 27 February 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

But he won't be involved in their FA Cup run ... which continues against Chelsea tonight.

Boro are seventh in the Championship and a point behind Brighton and Hove Albion, who are occupying the last play-off place.

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Alan Pardew: “I want to help Middlesbrough – they’re a good club.

“Hopefully, Sammy can do what he’s set out to do. We’ve got the option of getting him some experience.

“It’s too soon, maybe, in this first team.

"But the experience will gain on loan at Middlesbrough will stand him in good stead for next season.”

Boro boss Tony Mowbray is targeting another Premier League scalp as he attempts to guide Middlesbrough into the FA Cup quarter-finals tonight. 

They will have to do so without the services of the injured Jonathan Woodgate and Lukas Jutkiewicz - and with Josh McEachran, Kieron Dyer and loan signing Sammy Ameobi all ineligible.

The Smogs dumped derby rivals Sunderland out of the Capital One Cup in the fourth round in October and gave eventual winners Swansea a real scare in their quarter-final tie at the Liberty Stadium before going down to the only goal.

Now Mowbray is challenging his players to prove their credentials once again when Chelsea come to town in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday evening with Manchester United awaiting the winners in the last eight.

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Tony Mowbray: "The Premier League teams we have played this year, we acquitted ourselves pretty well in both games.

"We went out in the quarter-finals away at Swansea to the eventual winners in a game from which we felt really harshly done by not to come out with a positive result.

"Early on in that game in particular, we were on top and had the better chances.

"And Sunderland, to go to the Stadium of Light and win was a good day for the club.

"It shows the players they can do it, they can go and compete because if Chelsea were playing at Sunderland tonight, you would all expect Sunderland to give them a really tough game and be competitive.

"Here we are, we have beaten Sunderland and why can't Middlesbrough give Chelsea a really tough game and be competitive? I am sure we will be.

"When you manage a club that expects to win every competition it enters, or be very competitive, it's a big game for Chelsea.

"That's why I think they will come with a very, very strong side and try to get the job done on the night. The last thing they would want is a replay.

"I have to say, the last thing we would want is a replay as well because the league games are ultimately the most important thing.

"In the context of our season, our target is to get out of this league. The top two have sort of run away.

"The last month or so has been hugely disappointing for us and yet we can take this game in isolation and be positive."