STEVE McClaren took a pragmatic approach to Middlesbrough's hard-fought draw against Paul Jewell's Wigan side after the game.

The Boro boss, far from being upset about dropping two points at the JJB Stadium, was thankful his side managed to come away with a point.

"We came here with two excellent results during the week (home wins against Arsenal and FC Xanthi) and this is the third game, which is always going to be difficult," said McClaren.

"But to be fair to Wigan they made it a tough game for us. We're disappointed because we started the game well. But once we went a goal up we didn't really take advantage and we should have done. But credit to Wigan who got stronger as the game went on and but for the character and spirit of our team we could have lost that game.

"It was one of those where you maybe don't play so well and grind out a win. In the end we ground out a point."

The Teessiders largely dominated yesterday's match against the Premier League's newly promoted side and were never in any danger until a rare lapse from defender Ugo Ehiogu allowed Henri Camara to sneak an equaliser.

McClaren admitted he was disappointed at the way his side conceded the equaliser but overall said he was happy with how his side had coped with an action-packed week.

"You'll see a lot of teams who have played in Europe and performances are not quite at the levels they should be. I would agree that our performance wasn't quite at the level it should be but we disappointed playing football," added McClaren.

"After the first 20 minutes I thought we would go on and control the game. We said at the beginning of the week to the players (we wanted) four points in the Premier League and a win in Europe so we have achieved the targets. It could have been more and it could have been better."

The Boro boss also said it was a blow to lose James Morrison a minute before the half-time break and admitted his injury left them short of options on the right.

"We had great balance with James on the right and he was causing problems and we were controlling and dominating the game," he said. "We didn't have an ideal replacement out there with Ray Parlour injured as well. "We did lose our way but on another day we may have lost that one.

"Credit to Wigan they have a never-say-die attitude and we have seen that in all their games so far. Chelsea only won it in the last minute with a tremendous goal. Promoted sides at the beginning of the season are always going to be difficult especially at home.

"Teams can come unstuck here. They have some good players in the side here. I like (Jimmy) Bullard and they've got pace and power up front. You saw that against Chelsea. I've just had a word with their chairman Mr (Dave) Whelan and said, 'credit to your team and your manager'."

McClaren also added that he was happy with the way new signing Fabio Rochemback is settling in at the Riverside.

The Brazilian midfielder was at the centre of all Boro's best approach play and his boss said there was still more to come.

"It is a learning process for him and I think he is learning that the Premier League is very difficult and physical," said McClaren.

"But on the evidence we have seen he is going to be some player for us.

"He'll get better every week. He learns quickly and he'll certainly know a lot more about the Premier League after the Wigan game."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.