MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren last night insisted strikers Szilard Nemeth and Joseph Job have an important part to play at the club.

Despite scoring a goal each in last night's UEFA Cup win over Partizan Belgrade, Nemeth and Job are likely to make way for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka when Boro entertain Aston Villa at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

McClaren has reminded Nemeth and Job that they remain part of his plans, but warned they must accept his squad rotation policy.

He said: "You can't keep on playing the same eleven players and we've said that along.

"Nemeth and Job have waited patiently and taken their chance. They've had opportunities and always done a job when they've come in. They needed to tonight because it was important and they've done it very well.

"Obviously they both want to play more but I've told them they have very important roles to play in this club."

McClaren was delighted with the win, which ensured Boro top Group E ahead of tomorrow's draw.

He said: "It was a job very well done. It was important we won and important that we finished top, so it's a fantastic result.

"I think that's Partizan's first defeat in 25 games, so that's the pedigree of teams we've come up against and we've finished top of the group. We're very proud of the players and what they've achieved so far.

"It takes us into the last 32 in a very good position.

"I thought this was going to be a tough game and it was, but really the players have done an exceptional job."

McClaren believes his side can be taken seriously on the European stage after topping Group E ahead of the likes of Lazio and Villarreal.

"I think we've certainly stamped our authority on the UEFA Cup," said McClaren. "I don't think many teams had heard of Middlesbrough before the tournament. But after beating the teams we have I think that will gain us more respect."

* Middlesbrough will travel to League Two side Notts County in the third round of the FA Cup after the Magpies knocked Swindon out of the competition last night. The tie takes place on January 8.

* Rangers manager Alex McLeish admitted his side had let the fans down after slumping out of Europe last night.

Rangers went down 2-0 to Auxerre at Ibrox, a result which, coupled with Graz AK's defeat of AZ Alkmaar, dumped them out of the UEFA Cup.

A draw would have been enough to see Rangers through to the last 32.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.