Steve McClaren knows better than anyone the desperate need for a top-class striker, and there can have been no better demonstration of why the Uruguayan's decision may prove costly to Boro.

The home side could have been 3-0 up at half-time and McClaren's only solace is that they could have ended up losing as it was Bolton who finished the stronger. Boro are now in the bottom three and a relegation scrap awaits.

Noel Whelan had put Middlesbrough in front in the 38th minute.

The striker took one touch to set the ball up and then hammered in a rising shot into the roof of the net.

The pattern of Middlesbrough's domination continued until Bolton boss Sam Allardyce changed his system with half-an-hour remaining and brought on Bo Hansen.

That caused an immediate change of emphasis culminating in the substitute equalising with a glorious volley.

Anthony Barness swung in a free-kick from the halfway line, Gudni Bergsson won an important header and Hansen walloped a volley into the top corner.