Boss Michael Carrick has urged Middlesbrough to seize their chance after reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Jonny Howson, Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks eased them into the last four with a 3-0 win at Port Vale.
The Championship side reached a major domestic semi-final for the first time in 17 years, since losing to West Ham in the last four of the FA Cup in 2006.
An injury-hit Boro made light work of their League One hosts to avoid an upset and are the only EFL team left in the last four.
Carrick said: “Sometimes in your career there are times and you have to make the most of the opportunity when it comes your way.
“When the door opens you have to run through it and the boys certainly sprinted through it.
“We’re not stupid. We know whoever’s left in the draw probably wants to play us and see it as a chance to get to Wembley.
“It’s a hell of an opportunity. It’s about us and what we can achieve. You’re in a semi-final and it’s motivation and inspiration itself.
“It was a fantastic attitude and mentality. We’re decimated in terms of numbers in the squad but it’s part of the journey and we’re enjoying it.
“We’re in the semi-final and who would have thought it, it’s a great thing to look forward to. Who knows what will happen next, we’ll see who we get.”
Howson opened the scoring after 11 minutes when his 25-yard strike clipped Jason Lowe and looped in over Connor Ripley.
Vale, who demonstrated plenty of endeavour, tried to recover but fell further behind after 23 minutes when Sam Silvera crossed for Rogers to find the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Gavin Massey lifted Vale’s best chance over from close range and Crooks wrapped up the victory eight minutes into the second half, bullying his way through and finding the bottom corner.
The hosts lost Oliver Arblaster to a serious leg injury and boss Andy Crosby admitted they were second best.
He said: “We are trying to play in a way in our own league, with control and counter pressing but as soon as there was space on the transition you could see the difference between the players.
“They executed the finishes well, maybe got a bit of luck with the first which took a deflection over Connor but they deserved to win the game and hopefully they can progress in the semi-final.
“Ollie has a really bad gash around his knee, it’s gone right through to the bone and he’s gone to hospital. He has been so good for us and he’s our number one concern.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
- 1 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 2 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 3 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 6 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 7 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 8 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 9 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 10 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club