Boro relenquish Carling Cup at Anfield

It's disappointing to go out, but lets be realistic, our goal this season must be to qualify for Europe again. The Carling Cup is just one route to European football and there are still several other doors open for Boro.

The options are, in reverse order of likelihood:

1. Finish in the top 4 of the Premiership and qualify for the Champions League

2. Win the UEFA Cup and re-qualify as holders

3. Win the FA Cup (or runners-up) and qualify for the UEFA Cup

4. Finish 5th in the Premiership and qualify for the UEFA Cup

It is also possible to finish 6th or 7th and qualify for the UEFA Cup depending on the outcome of our two cup competions. Two Arsenal v Chelsea finals would almost certainly push the Uefa Cup qualification places down to 7th, since they will probably qualify for the Champions League. Other clubs could also help to create this scenario.

5. Enter the Intertoto Cup

6. Win a Fair Play entry into the UEFA Cup

For the record two late goals by youngster Neil Mellor sealed Boro's fate, after Bolo Zenden had a goal disallowed for off-side and Joseph Desire Job hit the post.