Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate had no complaints about Tuncay Sanli's disallowed goal in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

The Turkish forward's acrobatic overhead kick midway through the first half was superbly executed but was ruled out by an assistant referee's flag.

Television replays showed the player was well onside when the ball was played over the top of the defence but Southgate said even he could not make a judgement call in that split second.

"I couldn't tell from where I was. I had no idea it was as clearly onside as it was," said the former England international.

"But those will go for us at some point and we will look forward to when that rub of the green actually goes our way for once because it hasn't happened too often this season and we are due a bit."

Afonso Alves had put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute after out-pacing veteran centre-back Andre Ooijer and turning to fire past goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

However, substitute Benni McCarthy headed home Brett Emerton's corner in the third minute of injury time to secure a point.

But, after the 5-0 mauling at home to Chelsea last weekend, Southgate was more than happy with the performance.

"It was a good point, a good response. We have had a goal disallowed that was onside and scored a very good goal that might have won us the game," he added.

"We came into this in a week when we have been hammered from all quarters. We have given a performance that had character and resilience.

"We have conceded a late goal, which is a disappointment. When you are that close to winning it hurts but I thought it was a healthy away display.

"We were solid and difficult to break down. The players are down because they got that close to three points but a point after the week we've had was a very good response."

It could have been better for Middlesbrough as Jeremie Aliadiere smashed a volley against the crossbar in the first half, although Roque Santa Cruz hit a post at the other end before McCarthy's late intervention.

Rovers assistant manager Ray Mathias was pleased that his players stuck to their task having failed to make the most of their possession.

"I thought we definitely deserved something. I think our first half performance was outstanding when you look at the four or five good chances we created," he said.

"But if you don't take them you are always wary of something like that happening against you.

"Our tempo in the first half was magnificent but in the second half we just eased off a little bit and they came into the game with counter-attacks and caught us on one occasion.

"But credit to the players, they have come back and fought right till the end and got the header.

"It was a great header and we're absolutely delighted with it."