Juninho and Boateng heading to Boro

MIDDLESBROUGH had a double reason to celebrate yesterday with the news World Cup winner Juninho had been granted a work permit on appeal and George Boateng revealed he had agreed personal terms with the Riverside club.

The Brazilian's initial application was rejected by the Department of Employment on the grounds he had not played in enough of his country's competitive internationals over the last two years.

However, a delegation from Middlesbrough, led by manager Steve McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb, attended a hearing in Sheffield yesterday, which accepted their argument that his proven quality was sufficient grounds for appeal and found in the club's favour.