DANNY MILLS has paid tribute to Steve McClaren for revitalising his career and he would not rule out making a permanent switch to Middlesbrough.

Mills is on loan at the Riverside from Leeds United until the end of the season, but admits a return to Elland Road could be on the cards if a takeover of the cash-strapped club takes place.

The strong-running right-back was surplus to requirements at Leeds after a much-publicised fall-out with ex-boss Peter Reid.

But he has recaptured his top form since moving to Boro in August and he insists he is just focusing on playing football.

"I don't know where I'll be in the summer. It's out of my hands really because there are things happening at Leeds all of the time," said the 26-year-old.

"By all accounts Steve McClaren would like me to be here on a permanent basis and I've just got to sit tight until the offer is made, be it permanently or not.

"I'm pleased with how things are going. The biggest thing is that I'm enjoying my football again.

"It's been a difficult couple of years. Obviously a relegation fight with Leeds and personal problems off the field.

"Steve McClaren has made me feel wanted again. He's given me a new lease of life and I'm enjoying my football again."

Since playing for England in the World Cup last year, Mills' international career has gone backwards.

The last of his 18 caps came in the 3-1 victory over Croatia at Portman Road in August, when he went on as late substitute for Manchester United's Phil Neville.

A more confident Mills is now hoping that England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will realise he is back to his best under former national team assistant manager McClaren on Teesside.

"I've had one or two disappointments and it is out of my hands," said the former Norwich and Charlton man. "All I can do is keep playing well with Boro and see what happens there."

Mills' impressive performances have helped Boro equal a 28-year-old club record of six successive top-flight clean sheets.

However, McClaren's men have been held back by a dreadful record in front of goal. Their starting front two have scored in just five of their 15 Premiership matches so far.

The Boro boss has already cast an eye over possible targets in January's transfer window.

While Mills insists the strikers at the club will come good, the defender believes a new signing would boost the whole squad.

"I think the manager will look at it and think 'if I can bring in a striker who can score us 20 goals then I will'," said Mills. "If he did do that then it would give everybody a massive lift.

"The strikers we have are working hard. Michael Ricketts is a quality finisher, Massimo Maccarone is nearly back to full fitness and Szil Nemeth has scored important goals this year. There's no reason for us not to do well with the players we have here.

"The crowd aren't the most patient with Michael and you can tell they are frustrated. But he is a good finisher - it's just the balls aren't dropping for him in the right places.

"They are all good finishers, it's just they are not quite there."

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