EXPERIENCED Gaizka Mendieta insists the young professionals thrown into the heat of Middlesbrough's first team battle have proven they can handle life at the top.

Teenagers James Morrison and Tony McMahon, as well as 20-year-old Stewart Downing have all had starring roles to play for Boro in at least one of the club's last two vital fixtures.

Morrison, from Darlington, and Downing, from Middlesbrough, contributed to the incredible draw in Ostrava eight days ago when Steve McClaren's men assured their place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup.

Then, on Sunday, the pair combined to ensure Downing scored Middlesbrough's goal as the Teesside outfit claimed a point at Old Trafford - a game when McMahon, from Evenwood, made his first start for the club.

None of the trio looked out of their depth on the big stage and now McClaren should have no hesitation in playing the young men from the start in future games.

And Mendieta, who made his return from a calf injury against United, believes Middlesbrough's future is in good hands with the likes of Morrison, Downing and McMahon all pushing for places.

"They did very well, both in Ostrava and in Manchester. It's very nice when you see young players respond like that," said Mendieta, who witnessed promising striker Danny Graham also come on as a substitute against the Red Devils.

"It's always difficult when you come in from the Academy and it was a very big and important game in the Czech Republic. But they did very well, keeping their shape and taking responsibility.

"In a game like the one at Old Trafford young players can get nervous, but again they did well. They're not just playing well, they're scoring goals as well. When you play against teams like United you need to concentrate 100 per cent and that's what they have done when they have been given a chance."

Mendieta's return to action was not before time, having been ruled out of action since hobbling off against Crystal Palace on August 28.

And the Spaniard, due to return to his homeland with Middlesbrough on November 25 for the UEFA Cup clash with Villareal, believes McClaren was right not to rush him back.

"Injuries never come at a good time but I tried to be positive about it and take a rest. We have another break now and with so many games coming up over the winter period, it can be positive as well," said Mendieta.

"It's always three to four weeks and it's been the same for Ugo Ehiogu (who could be available for the trip to Blackburn a week tomorrow). You can't force it or it can put you back for another month."

Boro have revealed right-back Michael Reiziger could be back in training by the end of the month. The Dutch defender had surgery on a shoulder injury last month but there are hopes he could return to first team action as early as next month.

* Boro have stressed every season ticket holder will be able to claim their own seat for the UEFA Cup tie with Lazio on November 4. They have until October 24 to claim their usual matchday seat. Tickets will go on sale from tomorrow.

Any seats not claimed by season ticket holders by the closing date will go on general sale from October 26.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.