MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson will be asked to loosen the purse strings when the transfer window opens in eight days time - with a new midfielder the priority.

The club's injury crisis took another turn for the worse yesterday with George Boateng was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a broken toe.

The Dutchman joins Mark Viduka (back), Ray Parlour (thigh), Chris Riggott (hamstring), Ugo Ehiogu (calf), Gaizka Mendieta (knee), Stuart Parnaby (knee) and Malcolm Christie (broken leg) on an ever lengthening Riverside sick-list.

Manager Steve McClaren admitted yesterday that the Boateng injury couldn't have come at a worse time with the club facing five games in 14 days, including top-of-the-table clashes with Man United and Chelsea.

With three of his first-choice midfield now sidelined, the Boro boss is expected to bring in at least one new face next month.

He said: "We have definitely (to look at the transfer market) because we are short in that midfield area and it would be a shame to waste the good work we've done so far this season.

"It's difficult in January but certainly we'll explore every avenue.

"It's very difficult to buy in January. I don't think there'll be many purchases - more loans and short-term deals.

"That might be the avenue we'll have to go down."

Boateng's injury is a major blow, with the midfielder currently enjoying his best spell at Boro, and finally netting his first goals for the club.

McClaren labelled him his player of the season, with the loss leaving his squad lightweight in midfield.

"It's a huge disappointment to this football club because for me he's been our best player so far this season," said McClaren.

"It leaves us a little bit thin in midfield. But we've had Mendieta out, Ehiogu missing for a long while, Christie out, we've coped and we'll cope again.

"Two games in three days is going to be difficult. Rotating the players around is going to be difficult because we haven't got the personnel at the present moment - especially in midfield.

"We're going to have to juggle, we're going to have to take a few risks and hopefully have a bit of luck along the way.

"The focus at present is on the Birmingham and Norwich games. We'll put our strongest teams out for both games.

"The injuries we've got are long-term. They're broken bones and cruciate ligaments. One of the things that can make or break your season is injuries."

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