Tough call for Boro boss.

Gareth Southgate was speaking to the Evening Gazette ahead of Sundays FA Cup quarter-final clash with Cardiff on Monday and insisted, "The league's the priority." Southgate faces a big decision on resting key players for the FA Cup. His backroom staff will be desperately trying to get Fabio Rochemback back match-fit. The in-form Brazilian has a foot injury which kept him out of Sunday's game and was sorely missed.

There's better news for long-term absentee Andrew Taylor, he is set to feature for Middlesbrough Reserves against Manchester United at Northwich on Thursday night.

Looking back on the Reading match, Southgate admitted Mido was sick and Afonso Alves was carrying a knock from Wednesday's game against Sheffield United, "it's the same old story," he insisted.

Watford Boss, Aidy Boothroyd, meanwhile, is still open minded on taking Middlesbrough's winger, Adam Johnson back to Vicarage Road. Boothroyd said: "I've spoken to Gareth at length several times. Adam needs games but Gareth doesn't have the players at the moment. We're in there with other clubs but if I could bring him back then I would. It would be good to have him back again."

Striker could be a major hassle.

Ahead of Middlesbrough's quarter-final game with Cardiff City in the FA Cup Boro's No.1 Mark Schwarzer has admitted that former teammate Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could be a huge stumbling block on the club's search for silverware this season.

Schwarzer also claimed. "He bangs goals in wherever he's been and he has a tremendous shot on him as well, so we know we are going to have to be on our toes. But we have to believe that with home advantage we can get through. I missed out the last time we reached the FA Cup Final as I was cup-tied, so it would be amazing to go back."