McClaren down to bare bones

Middlesborough boss Steve McClaren fears the season is beginning to take its toll as his side prepare to face Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Cup tonight.

Since the turn of the year Boro have won just one of their nine Premiership matches.

McClaren said: "We have 10 players injured. We would like to rest some players but they are having to play every week."

Mark Schwarzer will play at the Riverside providing there is no reaction to his knee injury but Michael Reiziger (ankle) and Ray Parlour (back) are doubts.