ANGRY Danny Mills is desperate to prove a point to Peter Reid after the Leeds manager told him he wasn't good enough for Elland Road.

England right-back Mills makes his Middlesbrough debut today after agreeing a one-season loan deal.

Mills' career has gone into a downward spiral since last summer's World Cup. His last appearance at the Riverside was in England's edgy Euro 2004 qualifying victory over Slovakia in June, when he was humiliatingly hauled off just before half-time.

But the biggest indignity came when former Sunderland boss Reid stated publicly that his performance in pre-season training wasn't up to scratch.

Mills, however, was still included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for England's friendly with Croatia last week.

And Boro manager Steve McClaren, assistant coach to Eriksson at the World Cup, has seen enough of Mills at close quarters to be convinced of his qualities.

McClaren, also set to hand a home debut to Spanish World Cup midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, said: "Danny Mills has a great attitude and good aggression, which is something we need.

"It's a great opportunity for him. It's all about opinion and Leeds have decided they can do without him, so he's got a point to prove.

"It will be hostile - Danny knows that - and he's got to deal with it, but I can't see it affecting him.

"He's been there before, he's played in big games and in the World Cup.

He's an international, he has terrific experience, he's a fantastic signing for us and I'm delighted to have him.

"I can't see any problem in him handling the game because he's a good player with a good mentality.

"He's also a talker which is valuable when we've lost Ugo Ehiogu, who does that. The experience is vital at the back.

"Danny also gets forward and I'm hoping he works well with Mendieta on the right.

"It makes us stronger and I hope Danny performs well on his debut and shows the fans why we signed him.

"Euro 2004 is coming up, so it's a great platform for him to get in the England team and I think he can do that.

"I was surprised when I heard he was available last week. I knew it was a fantastic opportunity for us and the hard work in going for him has paid off.

"He can improve as a player. When players come here we look to improve them because it improves us as a team.

"We had two great battles with Leeds last year and this will be another."

Mills said: "I wanted first-team football and need to take the opportunity for my future with England.

"I didn't want to leave Leeds, but now I'm going to be in a Middlesbrough shirt playing against them. It's a surreal situation.

"It will be tough for me to play in front of both sets of supporters, but it's my chance to show Peter Reid what he is missing, for a year at least."

Boro picked up their first point of the season in Tuesday's goalless game at Leicester after losing 3-2 away to Fulham and 4-0 in Sunday's Riverside surrender to Arsenal.

McClaren admitted: "The first point was very important and the players take a lot of credit for coming back like that after the Arsenal game - it was magnificent.

"It was a harsh lesson on Sunday but the way the players responded shows great heart and character.

"If we take that attitude forward we've got the quality to win matches.

"Leeds will have it and we've got to match it. It's a big game for both sides."

McClaren revealed that Mendieta had felt the pace of his first Premiership game. "He was tired," said McClaren. "It was very fast and he said that it was for the full 90 minutes, not just in spells. I said: "Well, you've got Leeds now, which will be the same.

"But he's world class and can cope with that and will get better. His ability is unquestionable. His attitude is great and he showed that, worked hard for team and put his foot in. That was the thing that impressed us most."

Whatever their differences over Mills, McClaren reckons Reid will succeed at Leeds. "If anyone can handle it, and deal with the things that have happened to Leeds over the past months, then he can," said McClaren. "He is the man to do it, he has terrific experience.

"He is a manager I've always admired. Every team he has is committed, plays good football and, generally, has been successsful."

* Heerenveen striker Romano Denneboom, 22, was last night linked with a move to Boro.

The £2m-rated Denneboom, out of favour with the Dutch club after a bust-up with his manager, is said to have been the subject of talks with Boro.

His agent said: "Middlesbrough is a club that appeals to us.

"Romano is confident about moving.

"Something is happening, I can't deny it."