STEVE McClaren last night expressed his relief at Middlesbrough's progression to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup after admitting Stuttgart had "torn his side to pieces" in the early stages of their second-leg defeat.

Christian Tiffert's 13th-minute opener cancelled out Boro's first-leg advantage and, with a narrow lead on the away goals rule, the home side were forced to mount a desperate rearguard action for the remainder of the second leg.

But, while Stuttgart's devil-may-care attitude caused a number of scares, the visitors were unable to add the second goal that would have ended Boro's UEFA Cup dreams.

"It was all about getting the job done," said McClaren, who must now turn his attention to Sunday's crucial Premiership trip to West Brom. "It wasn't pretty and Stuttgart tore us to pieces in the first 15 minutes. They went for it early on, which surprised us because I thought they would be cagey.

"I never expected an easy night. Patience, concentration and discipline were needed and we eventually nullified them.

"It's difficult when you've got a lead from the first leg because you are caught between two stools - whether to push on and go for a goal or sit back and defend your lead. After the break we were more positive and pushed up ten yards - that worked perfectly and they hardly had a clear chance after the break."

The aggregate victory takes Boro into the last 16 of the competition for the second season in succession and sets up a mouth-watering tie with Italian giants Roma. The first leg will take place at the Riverside on March 9, with the return fixture taking the Teessiders to the Italian capital either six or seven days later.

"You saw what a good team Stuttgart are and what an excellent win this has been over two legs," said McClaren. "Going to Rome is an excellent prize.

"Roma will be another step up - once you get to the last 16 there are some bloody good teams and we are proud to be part of that for the second season in a row.

"This time, we want to go even further."

While Boro went into last night's game having won five of their preceding six games, they hardly looked like a side brimming in confidence as Stuttgart exerted a territorial superiority.

Despite spending most of their time on the back foot, McClaren's men eventually held firm, with the impressive Gareth Southgate repelling anything the visitors threw at him in a fraught second half.

The skipper admits his side are still struggling to play at their peak but, with Bolton's exit having left Middlesbrough as England's sole UEFA Cup representatives, the result was ultimately more important than the performance.

"We knew it would be difficult and we are not playing well at the moment," said Southgate, who produced the tackle of the game to thwart Danijel Ljuboja in the latter stages of the first half.

"But we are digging in. Over the two games, we deserved to go through.

"We were under a lot of pressure and we were always aware they might get something on the break.

"We couldn't get a foothold in the game but I am delighted for everybody associated with the club. Our season stays alive."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.