Here's how Middlesbrough players rated in the 3-1 win over QPR:

6 Steffen: Made a couple of good first half catches but almost played Boro into trouble with one wayward pass in second half and caught out for the goal.

7 Smith: No fuss. As solid as ever.

7 McNair: Excellent block late in the first half. Crucial moment in the game.

7 Lenihan: Captain for the day. Led by example at the back with assured display.

7 Giles: Almost scored direct with a free-kick late in first half. A threat down the left.

7 Barlaser: A touch rusty in the first half, understandably, but excellent after the break. Created first goal and was at the heart of a lot of Boro’s good play.

7 Hackney: Took heavy early knock but recovered with another assured and mature midfield display.

7 Ramsey: Boro’s brightest in the first half. Fast, direct, offers something different in attack.

8 Akpom: Goals win games, and his brace put Boro in complete control. Fine header to set Boro on their way.

8 McGree: Pulled the strings for Boro in the second half. Deserved his goal.

7 Archer: Tireless in the first half but it didn’t fall for him. Played key role as Boro came to life after the break.

Subs:

Crooks (for Archer, 78): N/A

Howson (for Ramsey, 78): N/A

Mowatt (for Barlaser, 88)

Bola (for Hackney, 90+)

Subs not used: Roberts, Fry, Forss,

QPR: Dieng 7, Kakay 6, Dickie 6, Dunne 6, Paal 6, Field 6, Dozzell 6 (Adomah, 69), Iroegbunam 6; Lowe 6, Chair 6, Martin 6

Subs: Archer, Johansen, Dixon-Bonner, Gubbins, Drewe, Aoraha

Man of the match: Riley McGree. Terrific after the break and inspired Boro to another crucial win.