McClaren not affected by England saga

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren insists he has not been affected by the England management saga as he prepares for the biggest match of his career to date.

The 44-year-old will lead his Boro side into tonight's crunch UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg clash against Steaua Bucharest having occupied most of the back pages for several weeks.

However, with decision day apparently looming at Soho Square, one of the leading candidates to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson is adamant that all he has been concentrating on is the task of reaching a major final with his club.