MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has dismissed claims that Gaizka Mendieta's career could be on the line, writes Will Scott.

The Spanish midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the Riverside against Portsmouth last Sunday and there have been fears voiced that he will not play again.

Only this week Newcastle Falcons' rugby star Andrew Mower had to retire from the game after he failed to recover from the very same injury.

The Middlesbrough manager, however says he sees no reason why the 30-year-old midfielder can not make a full recovery and get back to his best; and used former fans' favourite Juninho as a case in point.

He said: "There have been many cases of players coming back from that injury and performing to the same level.

"We are making sure he is getting the best surgeon and the best rehab and he is currently in Spain seeing a specialist.

"Sometimes it is down to the player to make a recovery, but knowing Mendieta, all he wants to do is play football.

"Juninho came back, and after seven months on the sidelines he was back to his best."