Nothing could separate Swansea City and Middlesbrough in the first half of their League Cup quarter-final this evening.

© PA Photos

The visitors almost took the lead in the opening seconds as Scott McDonald cushioned down a long ball, but Grant Leadbitter couldn't get enough contact in the penalty area.

Leadbitter had another good chance in the 20th minute having been found by George Friend's pull-back, but the midfielder's effort was saved low by Gerhard Tremmel.

The duo resumed their personal battle 10 minutes before the interval when Leadbitter again found space, this time courtesy of Faris Haroun's clever pass, but his shot was straight at the Swansea keeper.

If everything remains the same it will go to extra time and penalties to see who progresses to the League Cup semi-finals.