McClaren admits defeat in efforts to sign Butt

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has all but admitted defeat in his bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.

McClaren insisted earlier this month that his priorities lay elsewhere. However, it has emerged that Boro did make an enquiry, although were given little encouragement.

“He’s a player I’ve always admired, there’s no two ways about that, but we’ve made enquiries along those lines and I think the latest I have is that Nicky Butt is staying at Manchester United and that’s the end of that,” McClaren said.

The manager’s admission came as he prepared his side for tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final, second-leg clash with Arsenal at the Riverside Stadium, with the Teessiders defending a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

He is attempting to concentrate only on the task of masterminding what would be a famous victory even against a much-changed Gunners outfit, although with the transfer window closing on Saturday, he is in close touch with chairman Steve Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb as the club attempts to recruit fresh talent. Talks are continuing with Leeds over England full-back Danny Mills, who is currently on a season’s loan at Boro.

The pitch at the Riverside has been covered to protect it from forecast snowfall in the north-east, although McClaren’s more immediate concern revolves around injuries to some of his key players.

Captain Gareth Southgate and central defensive partner Ugo Ehiogu remain doubts with hamstring and groin injuries respectively, while understudy Colin Cooper is definitely out with a hamstring problem.

Teenagers David Bentley and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie are set to form Arsenal’s inexperienced attack at Middlesbrough.

Arsene Wenger will rest not only Thierry Henry but also Dennis Bergkamp at the Riverside, while Fredrik Ljungberg is ruled out by a rib injury.

Patrick Vieira should partner Gilberto Silva in central midfield, while Robert Pires has an outside chance of featuring on the left flank. However, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole and Jens Lehmann will also be rested from a defence already missing Pascal Cygan due to an ankle problem.