HAVING scored the decisive penalty at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night, George Boateng has predicted the winner of Middlesbrough's quarter-final tie with Manchester United will go all the way to the FA Cup final.

Such is the confidence inside the Boro dressing room after spot-kick glory at West Bromwich Albion, Boateng feels his side's ability to conjure up a result against United in previous seasons has the players eyeing an appearance at the new Wembley on May 19.

Middlesbrough, due to face the Red Devils at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday week, have a good record against United, although Gareth Southgate's first meeting as a manager ended in a sour December defeat.

Prior to Southgate's appointment, during Steve McClaren's five years in charge on Teesside, Middlesbrough claimed five wins over their more illustrious opponents - one of which was a 2-0 FA Cup victory en route to the semi-final in McClaren's first six months in charge.

It is recalling those past performances which has sparked Boateng's belief that the North-East's only remaining representatives in the competition can progress into the last four and beyond.

"I think the team who wins that match will probably go to the final," said Boateng, who was calmness personified as he slotted in the sudden-death penalty against the Baggies which Sherjill MacDonald was unable to match. "Chelsea might get there as well but I do believe one of us is going to the final.

"I am not saying we are very confident because Man United are a very good team and I respect all their players, but the good news is that it is at our place and Manchester United always find it quite hard to play against us there.

"It started with McClaren being at Man Utd for so many years (as Sir Alex Ferguson's number two) and he knew how you could play against them so you were already 50 per cent ahead.

"Normally as a team you have to figure out how to play against them and by that time it is too late. We are delighted with the draw because at the end you will play a big team and it's better now to play Manchester United than Reading.

"People will maybe say Reading would have been an easier game but Tuesday proved there are no easy games."

Tuesday was the third successive game in this season's FA Cup that they have needed a replay against lower league opposition, following the duels with Bristol City and Hull City in the previous two rounds.

And, after the fourth-round penalty shoot-out success over Bristol, it was the second time spot-kicks have been required to knock out Football League opposition, even if West Brom are riding high towards the top of the Championship.

It is the gruelling path Middlesbrough have taken which has suggested to Boateng that reaching the final this year could be on the cards.

And, given last season's defeat to Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven, it is something the 33-year-old Dutchman is desperate to see happen, accepting his career is entering its twilight.

The prospect of playing at the refurbished Wembley - provided it is ready in time - is also on Boateng's mind as he is eager to lay the ghost of 2000 to rest. He was part of an Aston Villa team, along with Southgate, that lost to Chelsea in the last final to be played under the famous Twin Towers.

"At my age, in my situation, to get to an FA Cup final again and win would be tremendous," he said. "I would probably be able to hang up my boots because I would've then fulfilled any dream I had as a young boy.

"Losing to Chelsea was one of the biggest disappointments of my career by far, that and being left out of the Holland squad for the World Cup last summer. The FA Cup is a tremendous prize."

Before United travel to Teesside, it is this Saturday's trip to another United, Newcastle, which is occupying Boro minds. They head to St James' Park with just one away win this season but, on the back of last weekend's victory over Reading, there is confidence within the ranks.

"Prior to Tuesday's match we had a massive game against Reading who were unbeaten in 11 games," said Boateng, knowing a win on Tyneside will lift them above the Magpies in the race for a European slot.

"When we won that gave us good confidence and Tuesday's win will have a similar effect on us for the Newcastle game."

Goalkeeepr Mark Schwarzer remains a doubt with a back problem but Abel Xavier should return to the squad after a similar niggle has kept him out of the last two matches.