McClaren heaps praise on Blues’ boss Mourinho

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has applauded Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho for confounding the critics during his first few months in charge.

The former Porto coach arrived at Stamford Bridge to be deluged with cash by Roman Abramovich but facing the task of moulding an expensively-assembled squad into a lean, mean fighting machine, a task which many suggested could not be achieved.

However, as Boro head for Stamford Bridge today the Blues enjoy a five-point lead over reigning champions Arsenal at the top of the Premiership table and are on course to land the title the Russian and the Portuguese manager crave at the first attempt.