Published on 12:00 AM, August 28, 2007

Barclays English Premier League

Boro earn gutsy draw

Gareth Southgate saluted Middles-brough's never-say-die spirit as his side twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.
Southgate was delighted with the way his injury-hit team refused to accept defeat in the north-east derby at the Riverside Stadium.
Charles N'Zogbia put Newcastle ahead but Mido equalised, then Mark Viduka's strike was cancelled out by Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca.
"We showed great character, not just in coming back twice but also because we had players who probably shoudn't have been out there," Southgate said.
"We played really well because in a derby game sometimes it can be frantic and you don't put your foot on the ball."
Southgate revealed Jeremie Aliadiere had briefly been knocked out by a collision with Steven Taylor, but it was his strike partner Mido, who really impressed the Middlesbrough boss.
"He's going to be a real hero with the fans because of his passion for the game. He's had a big impact on the dressing room in a positive way," Southgate said.
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce admitted the pain of his side's failure to hold onto the lead was exacerbated by injuries to Stephen Carr and Peter Ramage.
Both defenders could be out for several weeks, forcing Allardyce to delve into the transfer market before the window shuts on Friday.
Allardyce said: "We feel like we've lost. Having gone into the lead twice that should have burn enough to get a precious three points, but unfortunately it wasn't enough.
"We switched off on a basic set-play, no-one took responsibility to close down Arca.
"Carr has a hamstring and Ramage is seriously injured as well. It's a huge concern and I have to look at cover forthose players next week."
Mido's arrival from Tottenham has brought fresh impetus to Middlesbrough's attack and is certain the gutsy display from Southgate's side bodes well for the future.
"We could have won the game but to come back from behind twice shows a lot of character," Mido said. "It shows how the team grown. We can see we have a future."