Tony Mowbray: Middlesbrough can win the Carling Cup

Tony Mowbray believes that Middlesbrough can win the Carling Cup and is inspired by Birmingham City’s triumph in the competition last season.

The manager hopes that Boro can follow in the footsteps of the Midlanders, who beat Arsenal 2-1 in last year's final.

However before they can start dreaming of Wembley, they must get past Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tonight.

“[The Carling Cup] is important for Championship teams. It is our one probably genuine chance you have got of getting close to Wembley,” he said.

“When you look at the likes of Birmingham City winning it shows you what can be achieved.”

“They have talented individuals. A tough game is what we expect, whoever they play, whatever formation they play, we know it will be a tough game.”

Middlesbrough, who are currently top of the Championship, beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in the league last Saturday.