Here's how Middlesbrough's players rated in the 1-0 win at Birmingham:

6 Dieng: Didn’t have a save to make all night. Dropped one late cross but otherwise comfortable.

8 Ayling: Built on QPR display with another fine showing, his best two displays since joining the club in January. Had plenty of space down the right in the first half and created the winning goal with interception and pass for McGree. Playing to earn a longer team deal at Boro, his last two displays will have done his chances no harm.

8 McNair: Looks at home in the back three. Stepped out of the defence to good effect on several occasions in the first half. Flashed one strike just over the bar. Excellent display and reminder of what Northern Ireland international is capable of as he nears end of his contract.

8 Van den Berg: Another polished defensive display. Kept Stansfield under wraps and did a good job on Jutkiewicz when he came on. Crucial clearance after Dieng dropped late cross.

8 Clarke: Distribution let him down once or twice but defensively he was superb in the second half, especially late on when Birmingham launched balls into the box.

7 Engel: Another solid and impressive showing at wing-back. Looks comfortable in this shape. Did his job defensively and got forward when he could.

7 Howson: No coincidence Boro’s upturn in form has coincided with Howson’s return. Impressive again. Dictated first half and used his experience to help Boro see second through.

7 O’Brien: Tireless midfield display. Busy in the first half, didn’t shirk the ugly stud in the second.

7 Forss: Really lively in the early stages. His movement caused Birmingham problems. Linked up well with Ayling.

7 McGree: Stunning goal, his first since September, settled the game. In the first half especially he looked like the McGree from last season, buzzing about and finding pockets of space.

6 Latte Lath: No shortage of energy or intent but didn’t quite drop for him.

Substitutes:

6 Greenwood (for Forss, 66): Didn’t see much of the ball.

Azaz (for McGree, 73): N/A

Subs not used: Glover, Barlaser, Jones, Gilbert, Dijksteel, Silvera,Thomas

Birmingham: Ruddy 7; Laird 6, Aiwu 6, M Roberts 5 (Drameh, 19, 6), Buchanan 6; Dozzell 5 (Bacuna, 46), Paik 5 Miyoshi 5 (Hall, 46), Pritchard 6, James 5 (Jutkiewicz, 70); Stansfield 5

Subs not used: Etheridge, Longelo, Gardner, Sunjic, T Roberts

Man of the Match: Paddy McNair. Faultless defensively and suits this system. His best performance of the season.