The Verdict

Middlesbrough needed their key players to step up to the mark yesterday following a run of five games without a win in the Championship.

Knowing that a defeat would effectively end their chances of reaching the play-offs, Boro managed to deliver a solid display against Cardiff to keep the pressure on the Blades.

Tavernier was particularly impressive in this fixture as he completed 88.2% of his passes and scored a crucial goal for Boro.

Having recorded a WhoScored match rating of 7.42 yesterday, the 23-year-old will now be looking to help his side defeat Stoke this weekend.

Boro will move into the top-six if they seal all three points in this fixture and the Blades suffer defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers on Friday.