Hellberg swerves 'spygate' row ahead of Middlesbrough-Southampton clash

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg refused to comment further on the "spygate" row that has overshadowed his team's Championship play-off semi-final against Southampton as he prepared his men for Tuesday's second leg.

Southampton allegedly spied on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of Saturday's first leg at the Riverside Stadium, which finished 0-0.

The English Football League charged Southampton after receiving a complaint from Middlesbrough "relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property".

After the first leg, Hellberg accused his opponents of trying to cheat as temperatures rose.

But he swerved questions over the issue when speaking to reporters on Monday.

"I think I answered those questions so much on Saturday as honestly as I can to everyone," he said.

"I think I need to, and we need to, try to talk about the game. That's the most important thing now."

Hellberg revealed he had not spoken to Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson about the situation.

Saturday's post-match press conferences were dominated by talk of the accusations.

Saints boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his briefing after sidestepping questions on the subject, while Hellberg said he could not believe Southampton's brazen attempt to "cheat".

The winners of Tuesday's semi-final at St Mary's will play Millwall or Hull for a place in next season's Premier League.