THE man behind England rugby superstar Jonny Wilkinson's outstanding technique has helped Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer improve his kicking.

Dave Aldred, who is with Clive Woodward's men this morning as they try to overcome Australia to lift the Rugby World Cup, is renowned for assisting Wilkinson in developing his style.

And Boro boss Steve McClaren admitted last night that the kicking guru has played a big part in transforming Schwarzer's inconsistent punts into either convincing clearances or long-range passes to teammates.

Goalkeeping coach Paul Barron worked with Aldred while he was at Aston Villa and their paths crossed again when Wilkinson spent hours using Boro's training facilities at Rockliffe Park during the winter months.

McClaren believes Schwarzer, regarded as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the Premiership, has become an even better goalkeeper since working with Aldred.

"When Jonny trained here it gave us an opportunity to look at him in action," said the Boro chief. "We have had his kicking coach Dave Aldred in a few times to work with our goalkeepers on kicking.

"Paul Barron worked with Dave at Villa with David James, who is a fantastic kicker.

"Kicking is a big part of a goalkeeper's tool kit nowadays. The proof is in the way Mark Schwarzer's kicking has improved and the credit goes to Paul Barron for realising that."

Schwarzer is expected to be recalled to the Boro starting line-up against Liverpool today at the expense of Carlo Nash, who enjoyed a confident debut in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa a fortnight ago.

But there is no place for Danny Mills, who is ruled out through suspension. Mills' absence means a vacant place at right-back with young defender Andrew Davies set to fill that role.

Davies, a centre-back, will have the unenviable task of coping with Australian winger Harry Kewell.

McClaren, who knows that Kewell could cause his side problems, said: "Kewell is a very, very good player and a very good signing for Liverpool.

"He is finding his form and he has settled down.

"Whoever plays right-back - be it Riggott, Cooper, Davies but definitely not Mills - they will have to have a very good game."

Liverpool have not lifted the League title for 13 years and the impatient Reds supporters are becoming frustrated with Gerard Houllier's failure to deliver the Premiership crown since he took over in 1998.

And after a disappointing start to the season the chances of Liverpool finally ending that wait this time around look slim. They are already 13 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

But McClaren believes Houllier's side are more than a force to be reckoned with, especially with striker Michael Owen back in contention for a place at the Riverside this afternoon after injury.

"It's hard for Liverpool because they are expected to win every game they play and they go into this game needing to win," said McClaren.

"The League always goes in cycles. In the 70s and 80s Liverpool dominated and it doesn't last.

"The cycle now is with Manchester United and there are Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle trying to knock them off the top.

"Liverpool must have thought they were close three years ago when they won that treble of trophies.

"But Liverpool are more than capable of going on a run of 15-20 games without losing.

"This time last year everybody thought Manchester United had had it. They were in the same position as Liverpool are now so it's not all over."