Southgate relief as Boro progress

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has expressed relief at surviving a potential banana skin at Mansfield in the FA Cup fourth round.

Southgate admitted he was happy just to avoid embarrassment after watching his team beat the Coca-Cola League Two side 2-0 at Field Mill.

Dong-Gook Lee put Boro ahead in the first half but the Stags dominated until Jake Buxton scored a late own goal to seal Mansfield's fate.

Southgate said: "We knew it would be a difficult test here, it's always tough in these games.

"I'm very pleased with the way we approached it, but credit to Mansfield, they gave us a hell of a game.

"We could have played better but when it comes to these grounds you've got to get through whatever. We're pleased to get through."

Meanwhile Southgate has revealed that Newcastle and Tottenham have been given permission to speak to defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Newcastle have agreed a fee in the region of £8 million with their derby rivals as new boss Kevin Keegan attempts to lure the 28-year-old back to St James' Park, and it is understood talks are underway.

Southgate said: "(Woodgate) has got a decision to make, whether he wants to be part of what we are doing or whether he wants to move on somewhere else."

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