STEVE McCLAREN has backed calls for the introduction of video technology to decide key decisions in football matches ahead of this afternoon's FA Cup third round tie against Notts County.

The Middlesbrough boss made the statement after watching referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistant Rob Lewis fail to spot that a Pedro Mendes' effort had crossed the goal-line in Tottenham's Premiership clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

McClaren says TV replays would put an end to all the 'did it or didn't it cross the line?' when he confessed it was possible that his side could be victims of a similar incident and crash out of the FA Cup as a consequence.

"I think games are becoming too big now to lose a game on the goalline," confessed McClaren.

"We are coming to a cup competition and one bad decision and you're out. You might not deserve to be, but you're out and that can't be right."

McLaren accepted things usually even themselves out over a season in the Premier League but added you only get one chance in the FA Cup.

"We're out of the FA Cup, but you have another chance next year," exclaimed McClaren sarcastically. "People might lose their jobs on that!

"When you look at other sports they're all using technology and they are all upgrading the game and making decisions better and making the referees' job easier, because it is tough refereeing.

"But to have to referee players and then make decisions as well, that could cost you game.

"It's okay us all debating about it after (an incident), but when it is screened over and over that Joe Bloggs referee has made a mistake, and you see it 100 times during the week, what kind of pressure is the referee under then?

"They need help and why not technology? I sit on the bench and see an incident, and then go into the tunnel to watch the TV replay, and five seconds later I'm sat back on my seat knowing whether it was the correct decision or not.

"How it can be done and what to do, I haven't got a clue, but the governing body has to do something because that goal at Manchester United was unbelievable."

Had video technology been in operation during Middlesbrough's 1997 FA Cup semi-final then it would have been likely Second Division Chesterfield would have played Chelsea in the final. John Howard had a legitimate goal ruled out by referee David Elleray when it was clearly over the goal-line.

That would have put Chesterfield 3-1 ahead and on the verge of reaching Wembley when Elleray waved play on. Boro of course recovered to draw 3-3 and win the replay.

Despite years of pressure on the football authorities to introduce TV replays to decide major decisions they have so far resisted. The Boro boss believes, however, that it is only a matter of time before we see it in the Premiership.

"I think it is inevitable (it will be introduced)," said McClaren. "The more bad decisions we see and the more TV highlighting putting more pressure on the referees.

"All managers have experienced it to our cost and to our benefit. We try to coach a game but we can't control the referee and the decisions he makes as it's out of our hands."

Despite there being a three division gulf between the sides McClaren says he is not underestimating Notts County and intends to send out his strongest side available.

The Boro boss admitted he would have liked to rest a few of his weary stars after a hectic four games in ten days over the festive period but says he feels unable too.

He said: "I would like to give Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink a rest but Szilard Nemeth is ill and so I might have to play him."

McClaren was handed an injury boost ahead of today's third pound clash at Meadow Lane, however, with news Chris Riggott, Ugo Ehiogu and Malcolm Christie all return to squad.

"It's great to have them back, said McClaren. "It's like having three new signings and they all come into contention for the game.

"I plan to put out the strongest squad I can put out but with the additions of Riggott and Ehiogu it gives me a chance to do that as well.

"It's an important game for us and the FA Cup is a massive cup competition and we want to do well.

"This is what the FA Cup is all about. Notts County are a club with history and tradition who have a few bad years where they've gone down from the top but this a chance to get a bit of glory back. They will probably view this as a giant-killing tie.

"They have nothing to lose and they've got players who can hurt us. Up front they have Gavin Gordon and Shaun Harrad and they have two good wingers in Tony Scully and Chris Palmer, so it is going to be a difficult tie."

McClaren believes if the Teessiders can negotiate themselves through this potential banana skin they have as good a chance as any of lifting silverware for a second successive season.

"If we can win the Carling Cup I don't see any reason why we can't be one of those clubs who can't go all the way," confessed McClaren.

"I think that is the beauty of the FA Cup, anybody has a chance to get to the final with a bit of luck and the right draw. We have to be one of those clubs thinking, with the right draw, a bit of luck and few home draws, if we get through this one tomorrow, then why not?"

Read more about Middlesbrough here.