JONATHAN Greening is hoping to put his experience of the Champions League to good use when Middlesbrough embark on their first ever European adventure next season.

Greening was part of the Manchester United team that lifted the most sought after club trophy on this continent in 1999.

And now the young midfielder will be part of the Boro squad when they play in the UEFA Cup; the club's reward for lifting the Carling Cup in February.

That still looks the likely avenue for Steve McClaren's men, although there is still a possibility that they can claim one of the exclusive top four places.

Boro, on track for their highest ever Premiership finish, sit just four points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool with five games remaining.

And Greening, who has three years left on his contract after this summer, is determined to remain a part of McClaren's ever-improving team.

The 25-year-old has only been a peripheral figure in Boro's most successful campaign ever, but he is just as keen now to stay in his manager's plans.

"I have got plenty of time left and I'm happy here," said Greening. "To play European football with Middlesbrough would be a great experience.

"I have experienced it at Man U and it's unbelieveable. I was involved in the Champions League and, while I know it's not the Champions League we are in at the moment, it's still a great competition.

"I have tasted it and it will be great for the other players and the Middlesbrough fans to taste. It should be fantastic for this club. I'm sure they will all love it. That's a fact."

Despite playing his part in Boro's 5-3 win over Birmingham last month ago Greening was overlooked for the trip to Everton.

But an injury to Brazilian Doriva meant a recall to the starting line-up in the last three matches with Bolton, Chelsea and Southampton; and his run in the side was with his first goal of the campaign against the Trotters.

Greening has dropped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Bolo Zenden, Doriva and Gaizka Mendieta - a far cry from last season when he was an ever-present.

McClaren has been demanding goals from the player and Greening wants to add to his tally when Boro travel to botom club Wolves, who have the worst defensive record in the top-flight.

"It's frustrating when you are not playing but when you get in and you win it makes it all worth while," he said. "The gaffer has been nagging me for ages to score more, so it was pleasing when I finally did score that first goal.

"When you are left out in a winning team then you do feel deflated. You train for a Saturday and then when you're left out it makes you feel like a spare part. I played every game last year so this year has been frustrating.

"But I'm certainly enjoying being back involved in the team. I just want it to continue now."

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