JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK is a man who likes to keep out of the media spotlight, so when he claims Middlesbrough are still genuine contenders for a Champions League place Premiership rivals should take notice.

The Dutch striker was part of the side that lost at his former club Chelsea on Tuesday night - Boro's third defeat in four games over the festive period - and he points to a lack of numbers in the squad for the sorry start to the new year.

Influential figures like Mark Viduka, George Boateng, Chris Riggott and Ugo Ehiogu have all been sidelined through injury and manager Steve McClaren has made no secret of the fact he is on the look out for January signings to strengthen his squad.

Hasselbaink believes the return to fitness of key players, coupled with a few new faces on the playing staff, will aid the club's cause as they attempt to claim a Champions League place.

The defeat at Chelsea has left them two points shy of fifth-placed Liverpool, while fourth-placed Everton's midweek victory has extended their lead over Middlesbrough to eight.

But Hasselbaink said: "We don't have to be afraid of anyone apart from the big three - Chelsea, Arsenal and Man United. We will give it a big shot to finish fourth.

"Liverpool have good players but if every one comes back we also have a good squad. I don't see Liverpool being far from us.

"George, Mark and Ugo are all very important to us and we are missing them. We have been the whole season without Ugo but he is nearing fitness now. We don't have the biggest squad and it's important that they all come back to get cover."

Hasselbaink's emotional return to Stamford Bridge, where he spent four years before moving to Teesside in the summer, ended in defeat for his new club and he claims Chelsea will win the title for the first time in 50 years.

The Blues are now seven points clear of Arsenal and 12 ahead of Manchester United.

Hasselbaink said: "It was always going to be difficult at the Bridge playing against championship contenders. Chelsea are a different class and they will be champions.

"They have the best team in the league and I hope they do it. It's not fair to try to compare us to Chelsea. All I would say is we are £300m behind them!"

Meanwhile, Boro boss McClaren is focusing on trying to get some of his injured stars back before their next Premiership fixture with Everton a week on Sunday.

As well as Ehiogu nearing fitness from a calf injury, Stuart Parnaby, Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott could also be back for the visit of the Toffees.

And McClaren, whose side travel to Notts County in the FA Cup on Saturday, said: "We have ten days to make sure we get the players fit. Boateng and Viduka are out for a while but we could have a few others back."

* Aston Villa have withdrawn their interest in Portsmouth midfielder Amdy Faye, who was also linked with a move to Boro.

The Senegal international appeared to be close to a £2m switch to Villa Park but Villa chairman Doug Ellis said: ''There have been reports this morning that Middlesbrough are about to beat us to the punch but that is simply not the case.

''I don't know whether or not they are after the player but that is their business."

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