Roberto Martinez hails "mature" Everton after Middlesbrough win

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has said that it is a "terrific feeling" to be in the semi-finals of the League Cup following their 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

First-half goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku were enough to see off the Championship side as the Toffees progressed to the final four of the competition for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

After the final whistle, Martinez told BBC Sport that his side's 'maturity' was particularly reassuring.

He said: "It was a fantastic occasion, to be involved in the Cup. We had to be mature and control the game and we did that really well, especially after the Bournemouth result. It showed we learnt a lot.

"It is a terrific feeling to get through to the semi-final and good memory for our football club.

"Middlesbrough had a team who are good on the ball but we defended really well. All in all, the two goals were exceptional pieces of quality. More than anything, after keeping a clean sheet from going 2-0 up was very pleasing."

Everton could face Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the semi-finals should Jurgen Klopp's side overcome Southampton.