Unbeaten Boro determined to keep run going

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren headed for Stuttgart determined to go one better than last season’s UEFA Cup adventure.

The Teessiders made a good fist of their first European campaign when they went out to eventual finalists Sporting Lisbon in the last 16.

But having had a taste of it, they are desperate to go further this time around with crisis-club Stuttgart standing between them and a repeat of last year’s achievement and either Roma or FC Bruges waiting in the wings.

“It’s two months since we last competed in the UEFA Cup, but we haven’t forgotten what we are trying to achieve in this competition,” said McClaren.

“Last year, we were delighted to reach the last 16 before going out to a formidable Sporting Lisbon. This year, I want to go further.

“We go to Germany with a proud unbeaten run in this year’s UEFA Cup and we are determined to maintain that record.”

It was a fixture which Boro fans might have approached with some trepidation a few weeks ago. However, Saturday’s 3-0 demolition of Chelsea, coupled with Stuttgart’s decision to replace boss Giovanni Trapattoni with Armin Veh, has renewed belief the Teessiders could make an impression in the competition.

Winger Stewart Downing missed the opening skirmishes of the UEFA Cup campaign as he recovered from his knee ligament injury, but having seen his side not concede a single goal in their six European games to date, is hopeful of further progress.

“Stuttgart will be a tough test, but we are well capable of getting a result out there and bringing them back to our place for what could turn out to be an exciting second leg,” he said.