MIDDLESBROUGH have been warned to expect a backlash from Banik Ostrava by former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek.

Srnicek started his career at Banik before moving to the Magpies in 1991 after less than a season at his hometown club.

And the 36-year-old, now with former Newcastle coach Mick Wadsworth at Portuguese outfit Biera Mar, insists his first employers are desperate to bounce back from a summer of disappointment.

Expectations in the Czech republic's third largest city rose at the end of last season when Banik clinched the league title for the first time in over two decades - finishing five points ahead of rivals Sparta Prague.

But, following Euro 2004, star player Marek Heinz has moved to Germany's Borussia Moenchen-gladbach for less than £1m before missing out on a Champions League place with defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in a qualifier.

But Srnicek is convinced coach Frantisek Komnacky will have Banik up for the occasion and out to spoil Middlesbrough's UEFA Cup party at the Riverside tonight.

"They had been hoping to get into the Champions League, so it was a big blow for them not to. That's why they will be determined to have a good time in the UEFA Cup," said Srnicek.

"They had not won the league for 20 years, so to play in the Champions League would have been extra special because it would have been the first time.

"Banik will go to Middlesbrough wanting an away goal to take back home with them."

Despite Heinz's departure, Banik, who can also boast Liverpool's Milan Baros as one of their former players, can still call on experienced defender Pavel Besta and midfielder Marek Zubek against Middlesbrough.

And Srnicek said: "It's difficult to say how good they will be because, although they are the Czech champions, the squad has changed and they have lost their star player - Heinz.

"They have brought in a few new faces but they have had a disappointing start to the season and they will be hoping to get their season started in the UEFA Cup.

"It's difficult to say who to look out for in the Banik team because there is not one player that catches the eye. They all work hard for each other."

Srnicek, meanwhile, admitted he is thinking about retiring at the end of the season when his contract at Biera Mar expires.

If he does it will bring to an end a career that has seen him play for seven different clubs in four countries - including his last spell in England with West Ham in May.

And Srnicek, who made over 150 appearances for Newcastle said: "I am 36 now and I'm certainly thinking about retirement.

"It's a small club who want to be successful. It's been different to come here but it's nice."