Premiership: McClaren backs Beckham to bounce back

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is backing David Beckham to battle his way back to fitness before the World Cup finals.

McClaren, a key member of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coaching team, admits that Beckham would be a big miss if he does not make the squad.

But having seen his determination at close hand, both during his time at Manchester United and within the England camp, McClaren is confident he can pull through.

‘‘I know David well and wish him a speedy recovery,’’ he said.

‘‘Knowing David as I do, if anybody can come back and recover quickly, it’s him.

‘‘But it’s like in every team, it’s not just one player.

‘‘There’s a squad there and it will be a blow, but there are other players in the squad.

‘‘Players have got to step forward and take the opportunity.

‘‘But I’m sure, knowing David, that he’ll be fine.’’