STEVE McCLAREN has allowed Robbie Stockdale to leave Middlesbrough on a permanent basis.

Redcar-born Stockdale has signed a three-year deal at Rotherham United after being told by Boro he would only be a reserve player next season.

The 24-year-old spent a successful spell on loan with the Millers last season and manager Ronnie Moore has pounced to team him up with former Sunderland striker Michael Proctor at Millmoor.

Stockdale's release, on a free transfer, comes as McClaren continues his search for a new right-back.

The Boro chief is searching across the continent in a bid to land a new top quality defender following Danny Mills' return to Leeds United in May.

McClaren also has Stuart Parnaby as cover for that role and that, in the end, has proved the downfall to Stockdale's career at the club he supported as a boy.

"No doubt leaving the club was a tough decision for Robbie because he is a local lad who came through the ranks," said McClaren. "But I couldn't guarantee him first team football so we agreed that it was best for him to move on.

"However, I'd like to thank him for his efforts because his attitude was always first class. I'm sure he will do a first class job for Rotherham and we wish him well for the rest of his career."

Stockdale, who also spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham, played 91 league and cup games for Boro after making his debut during the 1997-98 season.

The former England U-21 international has now pledged his allegiance to Scotland and is hoping to be in Berti Vogts' plans for his country's World Cup 2006 push.

Rotherham boss Moore said: "We are delighted to have secured Robbie because he did such a good job for us last season and he has plenty of top level experience behind him."

McClaren is now likely to step up his bid to land either Michael Reiziger or Mario Melchiot as he tries to bolster his defensive ranks.

* Out of favour Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana would welcome a move back to his native Portugal.

Newcastle are thought to be in negotiations with Benfica over the sale of full-back Miguel to the St James' Park outfit.

And there is a strong possibility that Viana could head the other way as part of the deal - with Benfica demanding nearly £9m for the defender.

The chance of a swap deal has now increased after the Newcastle player admitted he would be tempted by a return to the country where he made his name with Sporting Lisbon.

Viana said: "My passion is to play football and, for me, a move would be a very good idea because in England I have not had the opportunities to do what I desire.

"The responsible people at Newcastle are up-to-date with my will to leave and I am available to any team that would like me in their squad."

* Chris Westwood's foot injury is not thought to be as bad as first feared. The Hartlepool defender is hobbling around on crutches after suffering a recurrence of an old injury while out jogging.

Pool boss Neale Cooper had stressed there was a chance it could have been a fracture. However it is understood, after visiting a specialist, that the bone is not broken.

Westwood is still likely to miss the start of pre-season training at Victoria Park on July 1 but he should be able to recover in time to regain full fitness before the start of the new campaign against Bradford City on August 7.

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