HAVING been a match-winner in Europe last week, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink repeated his heroics domestically to steer Middlesbrough into round four of the Carling Cup at Everton last night.

And not even a cheeky Scouse schoolboy, who had the nerve to run on to the pitch undetected with seconds remaining to slide tackle Franck Queudrue, could stop Boro moving through to the next stage.

As the wait for his first Premiership goal of the season goes on, Hasselbaink scored his second in as many starts at Goodison Park to edge his side through in the competition they won for the first time last year.

The 33-year-old's daisy-cutter six minutes before half-time squirmed through the legs of normally reliable goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.

It was a strike that not only proved the difference between the two sides last night, but it also backed Hasselbaink's decision to criticise the manager's rotation policy last week.

The Dutch striker, who also hit the bar from inside six yards before being replaced midway through the second half, was left on the bench at West Ham on Sunday after scoring the decisive goal in the UEFA Cup clash with Grasshoppers seven days ago.

After dropping below Newcastle in the Premiership table at the weekend, following their controversial defeat at West Ham, victory on Merseyside was essential for confidence as much as anything else.

McClaren stuck to his word by naming one of the strongest sides available to him. But Boro only had four players - Mark Schwarzer, Franck Queudrue, Ugo Ehiogu and Doriva - who started when they overcame Bolton at the Millennium Stadium 18 months ago.

Another two, influential pair George Boateng and Gareth Southgate, did not travel to Merseyside last night. The first rested and the second could be out for up to six weeks with a groin problem.

Without their methodical skipper, Boro's chances of booking a place in the next round rested on the shoulders of those performing at the back without him.

And while the visitors' midfield and full-backs failed to deal with Everton's initial advances with conviction, centre-backs Ehiogu and Chris Riggott formed a strong understanding.

Despite plenty of possession from the home side down the flanks, goalkeeper Schwarzer was never seriously tested until well into the game, although Queudrue did make an exceptional block from Mikel Arteta's shot from 12 yards early on.

Nevertheless Boro had the best of the first-half chances. Both Emanuel Pogatetz and Mark Viduka wasted great opportunities at the back post. Pogatetz forced Martyn into a great save, while Viduka's low left-foot strike skimmed wide.

But before those James Morrison could and should have put Boro a goal to the good. Martyn denied the youngster first as the midfielder ran clean through on goal, before Arteta's pace ensured he got back in time to stop the rebound.

The danger signs were there for Everton and when Boro did take the lead six minutes before the break it did not come as a complete surprise.

Viduka's ball over the top was won by Hasselbaink, after holding off Joseph Yobo's challenges. The Dutchman then made the most of some shoddy keeping to fire low through the legs of Martyn.

Everton's attacking midfielder James McFadden did try to erase the deficit before half-time but the Scot's strike from the edge of the area shaved the post.

Plans for the second half took a blow when Ehiogu was replaced by youngster Matthew Bates and Everton seized the initiative.

Within seconds Beattie's dipping volley was plucked out of the air by Schwarzer and former Sunderland winger Kevin Kilbane fired a rasping drive just wide.

But Boro held out and made sure they booked their place in Saturday's draw for round four.

* Boro's ticket allocation for their UEFA Cup tie at AZ Alkmaar on Nov 24 will be 408 and will be available only to those supporters who travel on the official fans' flight. The official fans' flight is priced £199 including match ticket.

Result: Everton 0, Middlesbrough 1.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.