Bolton 1 Middlesbrough 2

Jordan Rhodes is back in business, which is very good news for Middlesbrough and manager Aitor Karanka, not so encouraging for Burnley, their hosts in the clash of the Championship titans tomorrow night.

Having stretched Boro's title-chasing run to six successive victories, equalling a 25-year-old record, the mild-mannered Scotland striker, more Clark Kent than Superman, typically tried to play down the ramifications of Turf Moor becoming the magnificent seventh.

He was also characteristically modest about his telling contribution to the cause, perhaps understandably after his meagre pre-Macron Stadium two-goal tally since that high-profile £9million switch from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day.

That changed dramatically with an equaliser - yes, high-flying Boro trailed their relegated hosts - that demonstrated razor-sharp reactions and a winner, as the game crept into stoppage time, that was a reminder that the best goalscorers have a knack of being in the right place at the right time.

So how did Mr Modesty sum it up? "For me, it's nice to score and get a win. Better late than never. It might be doing it the hard way, but late winners all count."

They will know what to expect at Burnley. As a Blackburn player he collected goals like Panini stickers, and the east Lancashire rivalry will doubtless fuel a hot reception tomorrow night for Rhodes in a game that could have long-lasting repercussions for a loser, with in-form Brighton ready to pounce.

"Lots of people say it is the decider, they're getting caught up with the hype, but we must keep calm," said Rhodes. "There's lots to play for - in fact, there are still 12 points to play for. We have to just concentrate on ourselves at Turf Moor and enjoy our win at Bolton first.

"I don't really know what sort of reception I'll get at Burnley as a former Blackburn Rovers player, but the atmosphere is going to be fierce, that's for sure. It's a massive game for both sides.

"I've got a couple of mates in the Burnley side - Scott Arfield from our days together at Huddersfield, and Michael Keane from when he was on loan at Blackburn from Manchester United. That adds a bit of something to the occasion (for me).

"One thing's for sure, there's no room for complacency. The fact is we are only a few games away from having the chance to play some of the best players in the world in the Premier League. The club deserves to be up there - and we appreciate what is at stake for us, the club and the fans."

Rhodes, who scored on his last visit to Turf Moor, an equaliser in Blackburn's 1-1 draw in September 2013, has certainly got his mojo back, music to the ears of Karanka, who has guided him through a difficult spell since his move.

It had been one goal in 11 games, but there was no lack of confidence about a player who effected a clever, cheeky overhead kick in the penalty area surrounded by defenders, and had it gone in instead of coming back of the foot of the far post, it would have been guaranteed endless TV replays.

As it was, Rhodes had to settle for just the two. His equaliser, in the wake of the galvanising effect of Josh Vela's poorly defended opener, showed a speed of thought as well as finishing skill as he reacted first when his initial header from Adam Forshaw's cross hit David Wheater, the former Boro defender.

The winner, with the crowd still buzzing at his overhead kick, was a controlled header, far from easy, when lively substitute David Nugent, freed by an astute Adam Clayton pass, crossed at pace from just outside the six-yard box. Meat and drink to an in-form Rhodes, of course.

Truth be told, this was not one of Boro's best days on the road, and Bolton's spirited performance in the first hour, inspired by a young man called Clough - a name that resonates still on Teesside - offered more resistance than might have been expected from a relegated team with only pride to play for.

Stewart Downing did rattle the Bolton crossbar on 23 minutes, but it needed a true predator to ensure victory. "He is so dangerous, he’s got that ability, the know-how... the instinct to know where the ball is going to drop," said Emile Heskey, Bolton's veteran former England striker, with perhaps just a touch of envy. No need to add who he was talking about.