McClaren praise for Ricketts

Tottenham 1-1 Middlesbrough (Boro win 5-4 on pens)

Steve McClaren hailed Michael Ricketts after Middlesbrough beat Tottenham 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Ricketts equalised Darren Anderton's early opener before Franck Queudrue sent Boro into the Carling Cup semi-finals with the winning spot-kick.

"I'm delighted for Michael Ricketts," said McClaren.

"He's got better with every game and anyone who has watched him has been very impressed and he did another very good job."

Spurs keeper Kasey Keller made a superb save from Ricketts at the end of extra time but, despite a miss from Gaizka Mendieta, Boro edged the penalties.

I can't do anything about penalties as they're in the lap of the gods David Pleat, Tottenham manager

McClaren's side go on to face Arsenal in the last four.

"After going a goal down so early, we did so well to come back and dominate the second half and extra-time and, but for Kasey Keller, we would have won it before the penalties," he said.

Gus Poyet and Mauricio Taricco both failed from the spot for Tottenham, but boss David Pleat refused to aportion blame.

"I can't do anything about penalties as they're in the lap of the gods," said Pleat.

"They took an opportunity right at the death and scored.

"Everything is irritating when you lose, but we're out so it's now history.

"We had no idea about the semi-final draw (against Arsenal), no one told us.

"But I don't think that would have stimulated us during extra-time."