UGO EHIOGU'S latest injury set back may force Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren to splash out in the January transfer window.

The 32-year-old defender limped out of Boro's 1-1 draw against Everton after only 17 minutes with knee ligament damage following an accidental clash with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. It was only his third appearance of an injury-plagued season.

With Chris Riggott sidelined for another two to three weeks with a hamstring problem and Andrew Davies, also injured, but on loan at QPR, it leaves only skipper Gareth Southgate and Colin Cooper as the club's only two fit centre halfs.

McClaren has never hidden his desire to bring in another left back as cover to Franck Queudrue, but with no replacements at centre back he may be forced to, at least, bring someone in on loan to fill the void.

Stephane Henchoz, a defender with a wealth of experience, is currently out of the first team picture at Anfield and would provide an ideal short-term solution to the Teessiders' problems.

Southampton and Bolton are interested in the Switzerland international, but with Boro still in the UEFA Cup and fighting for a Champions League place, Teesside would be a more attractive proposition than a relegation battle or mid-table mediocrity.

But one thing is for certain, if Boro are to realise their Champions League dreams and maintain an assault on the UEFA and FA Cups, at least one new defender needs to brought in before transfer window closes on January 31.

As if the Middlesbrough boss didn't have enough defensive problems to contend with former Holland international Michael Reiziger injured a little toe against the Toffees and is struggling to be fit for the game at Norwich on Saturday. Stuart Parnaby is still two weeks away.

Tony McMahon is certain to be pitched into the first team picture for Boro's game against the Canaries.

The 18-year-old full back's contract is up in the summer and his agent, Ian Elliott, revealed he is hoping his starlet will put pen to a new deal soon.

"I had a meeting with Steve McClaren and we chatted about Tony," revealed Elliott. "I'm now hoping to take that further and have a meeting with Keith Lamb this week. Tony's gone on record as saying he wants to stay at Middlesbrough and I see no reason why that can't happen."

Meanwhile, the FA have charged both Boro and Everton for their part in Sunday's 16 man brawl at the Riverside Stadium.

The club has been charged with failing to control their players during Sunday's Barclays Premiership game.

The fracas occurred ten minutes from time after Everton striker Duncan Ferguson challenged Mark Schwarzer after the Australia international had dropped a Lee Carsley corner.

Referee Dermot Gallagher chose not to take any action at the time, other than lecture captains Gareth Southgate and Alan Stubbs in an attempt to defuse the situation. Schwarzer dismissed the incident as nothing more than both sides' competitive spirit.

He said: "My head was spinning as the melee erupted in the goal, but I agree with Steve McClaren and David Moyes' comments in the press that it simply reflected how badly each side wanted to win.''