FRANCK QUEUDRUE last night admitted his late foul on Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle could have been a penalty.

The Middlesbrough defender's tackle from behind on his fellow Frenchman with nine minutes to go caused uproar on the touchline as the Reds' coaching staff fumed as no spot-kick was given.

Play was waved on and Boro earned a goalless draw, with Liverpool four points behind a Champions League place.

But Queudrue said: "I didn't foul him.

"I played the ball but it's difficult because he kicked my foot.

"I think the referee was well-positioned and he did the right thing. It was not a deliberate foul but it could have been given on another day." Boro boss Steve McClaren was pleased to see his side extend their unbeaten run to five matches, with a trip to Manchester City on Sunday next on the cards.

McClaren said: "We had momentum before the international break and it's always worrying when you come back from a two-week break. But I thought we did well. It was important for us that we did not get beat and continue our recent good run against a quality team."

And he also suggested ninth-placed Liverpool will be challenging for a top four place again soon, despite their slump down the Premiership table.

"They have got quality internationals all over the pitch and as long as they have those then they will not be in any trouble.

"I'm sure Gerard wants to have Liverpool higher up the table but I'm sure the quality he has available will see Liverpool soon climb back up there."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.