Prior to this game, Gareth Southgate voiced his concern that key members of his side were at risk of being poached by cash-rich Premier League rivals; on this showing he can rest easy.

Perhaps the only positive the Boro boss can take from this dismal performance is that on this form any watching managers will strike Middlesbrough players from their January wish-lists.

The visitors were poor in every department when even reliable performers like Emanuel Pogatetz and Tuncay had a forgettable afternoon.

But it was Boro's lack of any presence in midfield that led to their heaviest defeat since being mauled by Chelsea.

But on an afternoon when none of the side did themselves any credit, Mohammed Shawky stood out for his failure to compete against a well-organised but ordinary Fulham side. Question marks remain about the Egyptian's ability to compete at this level.

There will also be an inquest into Gareth Southgate's selections. In a formation that mirrored last weekend's battling draw against Arsenal, the Boro game-plan to grab another point backfired in disastrous fashion.

But the signal failure of any Boro player to really stand up and be counted will have angered the usually ice-cool Southgate.

Julio Arca had a poor first half before being substituted for Mido. And the Argentine was fortunate not to be shown the red card after a making a shocking challenge on Andy Johnson.

The former Everton striker is reknowned for tumbling over at the slightest contact,but Arca's tackle could have broken Johnson's leg.

p> It was the type of horror-challenge that is likely to be endlessly replayed on TV but was completely out of character for the Argentinian.

After a week when the talk has been about potential exits from The Riverside, Boro fans will be more concerned with who Southgate is targeting next month. Without some steel in midfield, the Teessiders could be battling against relegation for the second half of the campaign.