STEVE McClaren has yet to prove himself as a top manager, despite leading Middlesbrough into a major European competition for the first time in their history.

That's the view of former England, Manchester United and Boro centre-back Gary Pallister.

McClaren's stock began to rise after his side captured the Carling Cup with a 2-0 triumph against Bolton at the Millennium Stadium in February. A victory that saw them end their search for a meaningful trophy and qualify for next season's UEFA Cup.

As a result, McClaren was tipped in some quarters as the man to sit alongside Sven-Goran Eriksson had the England boss decided to call it quits and throw his lot in with Chelsea.

"It's all speculation," the former Manchester United number two said last month. "I was flavour of the month after the Carling Cup . . .

"I'm concentrating on bringing trophies here, building for next season and making sure this season finishes well."

As it transpired, the Swede committed himself to the national cause and the rumours died down.

Pallister, who had two spells with Middlesbrough, sandwiched between a decorated career at Old Trafford, believes that was for the best.

"I think Steve McClaren's still got a bit to prove," said the 38-year-old. "Not only to the people of Teesside, but to himself. He is still relatively young in terms of being a manager so I don't think it would be a good move for him to leave Middlesbrough right now anyway."

Pallister said it was no surprise to him when McClaren's name was mooted with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

"I think he was going to be linked with Chelsea because of Sven," he said. "Sven's influence was there for everybody to see and he had been talking about the Chelsea job. Obviously, Steve had worked closely with him in the England set-up (it was inevitable) he was going to be mentioned.

"It's common knowledge that (Claudio) Ranieri is going to leave but I think Chelsea are going to look to the very, very top in Europe for their next manager. I think Steve is maybe a little bit young in terms of managerial experience and I think they will go for somebody with a bit more experience."

Boro will begin their European adventure in August and for Pallister it's been a long time coming.

"I hoped I would see the day but I didn't know how soon it would come and I am delighted that they have gone and done it this year," said the player who enjoyed success on foreign shores with the Red Devils in the European Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup in 1991. "First and foremost I am delighted that the club has won its first major trophy. It's been a long wait and it was a huge relief to see Gareth (Southgate) eventually lift the League Cup.

"Middlesbrough in Europe - it's going to be a special time down at the Riverside next season. Let's hope we can put together some performances in the UEFA Cup and go quite a long way. We have got a lot to live up to after Newcastle's exploits this year."

One man Pallister is pleased for more than most is Colin Cooper.

The veteran defender returned to the Boro ranks last month after a loan spell at Sunderland was cut short because of the injury crisis at the Riverside.

The 37-year-old missed out on playing a part in the Carling Cup glory but after signing a new one-year deal recently he will have his fingers crossed that the increased number of games, should Boro progress in Europe, could see him play a part in the UEFA Cup.

"I felt sorry that he didn't play a part in the Cup win because he had been there since the liquidation days of '86," Pallister said. "He was my roommate over the last three years that I was at Middlesbrough. I think he played a huge part in helping turn Middlesbrough's season round. He came back into the side with injuries and some of the performances he produced belied his years.

"I am glad to see he has been rewarded with another year's contract. I am sure the fans are delighted about that and I would just like to wish him the very best because, at his age, to still be producing in the Premiership is great testament to him."

Pallister says this year has been a turning point for Middlesbrough and their aspirations and he wants to see them build on it and not let it become a one season wonder. Key to that will be keeping the big names already on Teesside and bringing in some quality additions.

"You have to look at whether they can keep (Bolo) Zenden. He has come into his own over the last three or four months of the season," said Pallister of the man on loan from Chelsea. "I think for a period of time he looked out of sorts. But himself, Mendieta - who I think has already said that he will be playing next year - and Juninho have been the catalysts for the performances they have produced over the back end of the season.

"They have really entertained the crowd down at the Riverside, which we certainly weren't doing at the start of the season. I am loathe to say boring but we certainly weren't an exciting team.

"There were a lot of dire games at the Riverside but that was out of necessity. We had injury problems and we changed the formation. We had to go back to a more solid formation and that was understandable and the entertainment suffered because of that.

"We got through that, won the trophy and towards the back end of the season, with a more settled back four, the leading lights in the team, as I say, produced.

"If we can add a centre forward of the likes of (Mark) Viduka or Chris Sutton or a top class striker who can give you 15 to 20 goals a season then I think the club might be on the verge of doing something a little bit special."

* Gary Pallister was speaking as part of Carlsberg's 'Your Country Needs You' campaign. Carlsberg is the official beer of the England Team and the company is urging everyone to unite behind the side this summer at the European Championships.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.