Riley McGree's dream of playing Premier League football next season has taken a hit after his dominant Middlesbrough side were unable to break down Southampton on their home patch, with their Championship semi-final first leg ending in a goalless stalemate.
Against the backdrop of 'spygate' with Southampton having been charged with a breach of English Football League regulations after being accused of snooping on Boro's training, the Saints grabbed a slight advantage going into Tuesday's second leg at their St Mary's home.
It proved a frustrating afternoon for McGree, back in the starting lineup after a recent injury, as his side, seemingly fuelled by indignation about Southampton's alleged 'dirty tricks', peppered the opposition goal in the first half.
