STEVE McClaren has admitted Middlesbrough are having to cut out the frills as they continue to battle on two different fronts despite an injury crisis that refuses to go away.

McClaren is still without five senior players ahead of tomorrow's Premiership clash with Charlton, and his options could be restricted even further if Stewart Downing and James Morrison fail to recover from the knocks they picked up in Thursday's win over Grazer AK.

This week's success took Boro into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but, with fourth-placed Everton just seven points away, the Teessiders remain committed to a domestic Champions League chase.

Pursuing both goals is beginning to take its toll and, after grinding out a dour goalless draw with Bolton in their last league game, Middlesbrough were functional at best on Thursday night.

McClaren would love to see his side playing free-flowing football but, as the season reaches its most important period, he is sensible enough to realise that points mean far more than plaudits.

"You would like to play with more flamboyance," said the Boro boss. "But the results are the most important thing at this stage of the season.

"When you're in single figures in terms of games left in the Premier League, and you're still in cup competitions as well, the results will always be the things that matter.

"We've shown that we're capable of grinding results out. We did that against Grazer. They were an awkward side to play against, but we came through in the end.

"We went through a poor run in January and, when you go through a run like that, you find that it doesn't just turn around overnight. In some games we've played very well but, at times like on Thursday night, we could have played better but our character, commitment and attitude has got us through."

Success in the UEFA Cup would ensure more European football at the Riverside next season but, after qualifying for this season's competition courtesy of the Carling Cup, McClaren would love to provide more continental competition via the club's league position.

Boro have never finished higher than ninth in the Premiership and, with tomorrow's opponents snapping at their heels, the Teessiders can ill-afford to suffer a European hangover.

"Charlton can join us on the same number of points," said McClaren. "So it's a big game for us - it's a bit like the game at Bolton earlier this month.

"We're in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup, but our bread and butter is the Premier League and we want to do well in this competition.

"It means more to qualify for Europe through the league. It's more of an achievement because it's a reflection of how well you've done over the course of a whole season."

Morrison is struggling to make tomorrow's game, but Downing should shake off his hamstring complaint in time to extend an unbroken sequence of Premiership starts that stretches right back to September 25.

The left winger has made a massive impact this season - on both the domestic and the international stage - but, just nine months ago, there was a time when he was wondering whether to call it a day with Middlesbrough.

Bolo Zenden had just moved to the club on a permanent basis and, with other clubs sniffing around, Downing was pondering a move to pastures new in an attempt to secure first-team football.

"When Bolo signed a new deal I thought I was back to square one," admitted the 20-year-old. "We play in the same position and I thought he would be certain to play ahead of me.

"I sat down with my dad and my agent and decided to be patient. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do and I decided to stay and fight for my place.

"In the end it hasn't been a problem as Bolo and I have proved we can play in the same team.

"He has moved inside and done really well and we have a good link up.

"But next season will be another challenge for me because there may be new faces in the summer and then we will have Gaizka Mendieta coming back from injury. No player can afford to stand still."

The highlight of Downing's season came earlier this month when he made his full international debut against Holland at Villa Park.

A 30-minute substitute appearance gave him little chance to prove his worth but, with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan looming next month, the midfielder is desperate to earn another chance in an England shirt.

"We have World Cup qualifiers coming up against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan and I hope I will be considered again," said Downing. "I don't want to be a one-cap wonder.

"But even from the half-hour I played against Holland, I could see international football is a step up from the club game.

"The technical ability was very good and so was the fitness level. It made me realise that I must get stronger in all areas.

"But looking back, I can't believe so much has happened in such a short time."

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