Chris Riggott returned from exile to play a major part in Middlesbrough's successful fight for safety.

The defender, who was recalled from his loan spell at Stoke on Friday, went straight into Gareth Southgate's team and rewarded his manager with a priceless 40th-minute header which put them on the road to victory over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth.

Riggott headed off to the Britannia Stadium having effectively been told he had no future at Boro, but a man who at one point formed a solid central defensive partnership with Southgate under Steve McClaren grabbed his chance with both hands.

Turkey international Tuncay wrapped up a vital victory with a 53rd-minute header as a crowd of 24,828 breathed a collective sigh of relief.

It was just Boro's second league win in 11 attempts.

Stewart Downing even managed to mess up a gilt-edged chance to make it three, but Boro were not threatened at the other end and won at a canter.