FORMER Newcastle United midfielder Gary Speed has backed Middlesbrough to land a European spot in May.

The former Wales skipper, who left St James' Park in the summer, was part of a Bolton side that couldn't break down a resolute Boro in the battle for sixth spot on Saturday.

The Teessiders claimed a vital point against their fellow European hopefuls despite having many of their top players missing.

But defensively Steve Mcclaren's men impressed as goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - plus a miserly defence with the returning Chris Riggott in outstanding form - kept the home team at bay.

And Bolton's 35-year-old middle-man Speed believes he has seen enough of Boro to know that the Teesside outfit have every chance of claiming at least a UEFA Cup place again next season.

"No doubt about it, the two of us will be chasing European places," said Speed, a vital part of Newcastle's fortunes in the Champions League and UEFA Cup in recent years.

"Boro are a well organised and disciplined side and have some tremendous individuals.

"At the back they are very solid with the likes of Riggott, Gareth Southgate and Schwarzer. But I think it's a measure of how far Bolton have come that McClaren was delighted he was with a draw.

"Whether McClaren would have said that with a full squad I don't know. Boro have obviously got half their side out but even with injuries they are a tough and durable team. I expect them to finish in the top seven which could be good enough for a European place."

* Craig Bellamy's hopes of making his Celtic debut are on hold after their Bank of Scotland Premier clash at Inverness Caledonian Thistle was called off yesterday morning.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.