RAFAEL BENITEZ hailed Dirk Kuyt as his Champions League hero and insisted that the £9m he paid for the Dutchman has been vindicated.

Rafael Benitez hailed Dirk Kuyt as his Champions League hero and insisted that the £9m fee he paid for the Dutchman has been vindicated.

Rafael Benitez has come out fighting after the worst week of his Liverpool career by insisting domestic cups are not his priority.

George Boateng has signed a three-year contact with Middlesbrough.

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren is adamant he will not lose George Boateng this summer as happened with Bolo Zenden last season.

Liverpool midfielder Boudewijn Zenden is likely to miss the rest of the season after learning he must undergo surgery on a cruciate ligament injury.

SOUTHAMPTON assistant boss Jim Smith was delighted at the way his side climbed out of the bottom three with a deserved victory against Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren refused to countenance talk of Champions League football on Teesside after seeing his side ease their way into the top four with victory over Aston Villa.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren admits the rigors of European football has affected his players this season.

Bolo Zenden (pictured) spoiled Bryan Robson’s big day as Middlesbrough grabbed all three points at The Hawthorns.

Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of Bolo Zenden, who has agreed a one-year deal after completing a free transfer from Chelsea.

Middlesbrough new boy Michael Reiziger insists he can add to his trophy haul despite passing up the chance to join Spanish champions Valencia.