Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg insists his side should have done better in their Championship play-off semi-final against Southampton.

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles scored the in the 116th minute to sent the Saints through to the play-off final at Wembley, where they will face Hull.

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Middlesbrough were the side to take the lead, however, and manager Hellberg insists they were good value for their lead.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m unbelievably proud of the effort.

“It was tough. I think we played a very good first half. We were good, fluid and had some chances to go for two and then they scored just before half time from a free-kick.

“Everyone is fighting though it. We played an unbelievable good team, massive squad. To go here and to dominate the first half in that way with that crowd, that was impressive.

“We had some pressure but didn’t create many chances. That football sometimes, it’s a sport of fine margins.

“For a long time we were good and should have been ahead, if you bring together the first half.”

On whether he will keep training while they await the result of the EFL’s disciplinary commission into spying charges:

“We had a plan if we won the game and now he haven’t so now I’m disappointed.

“Congratulations to the players and the supporters of Southampton for the winner.”

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