Southgate: No easy ride for Boro March 08 2008
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate does not believe his side have been all but gifted a trip to Wembley this season.
Boro are one step away from walking out at the world's most famous stadium as they prepare for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Cardiff.
In every round so far, the Teessiders have avoided Premier League opposition, arguably giving them an easier ride than their remaining rivals for the trophy.
But Southgate said: "I don't think we should apologise for being in the position that we're in. We've had draws that have been tough in their own way.
"It doesn't matter what division the team you're playing against is in, they can still provide you with a very tough test.
"We've overcome the hurdles that have been put in front of us; we've got another one that's equally as difficult."
Boro certainly made hard work of dispatching Sheffield United in the previous round, with only a goalkeeping error from Paddy Kenny separating the teams after extra-time of a replay.
Southgate is looking forward to a rare full house at the Riverside Stadium, with the top-flight outfit having sold their entire allocation for the game.
He said: "We want to play the type of football that's going to encourage them to come back."
While not exactly dreaming of Wembley glory, Southgate admits the quarter-finals is when he really begins to feel the magic of the FA Cup.
"It's the time in the competition when everyone does start to get a bit excited," he said. "We've played it down for the majority of the season."
He added: "Stewart Downing and Afonso (Alves) have played at the new Wembley. The rest of us haven't been there to play a part in a game and we'd all very much like to do that."