JUNINHO'S value to Middlesbrough has been underlined by the arrival of long-time friend Doriva.

The Brazilians are contemporaries from their early days in football in Sao Paulo.

And it was Juninho's recommendation that brought about Doriva's initial spell with Boro on a three-and-a-half-month loan last season.

Manager Steve McClaren made the deal permanent this summer when he signed the 31-year-old midfielder from Spanish side Celta Vigo on a free transfer.

Doriva, who agreed a one-year contract, has repaid McClaren's faith by scoring twice in Boro's two pre-season games.

Today he lines up alongside Juninho against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in goalkeeper Simon Tracey's testimonial.

Juninho said: "We were in football in Sao Paulo and have been friends for a long time. I knew all about him and it's great to have him here."

Doriva, who was in Brazil's 1998 World Cup squad and has also had spells with Sampdoria and FC Porto, said: "I'm very happy to be here - it's a dream for me to play in England. The pace is quicker than in Spain, but I felt I adapted last season. I am competitive and aggressive, so the Premiership is good for my style.''

Doriva is McClaren's only signing to date this summer and the Boro boss said: "We know how good he is - he's played in the World Cup finals.

"He impressed us last season and now he has settled in. You can't ask for more than two goals in two games."

Doriva was signed as cover for the injured George Boateng, but will push the £5m Dutchman for a starting role this season.

Boateng is expected to return to training next week after undergoing surgery at the end of last season to remove floating bone around an ankle.

McClaren is still reserving judgement on trialist Alan Wright and will run the rule over the former Aston Villa left-back again today before deciding whether to offer him a deal.

Boro have a worry at left-back, with Franck Queudrue banned for the first five games of the season and David Murphy sidelined through a foot injury.

Skipper Gareth Southgate reckons today's game will provide Boro with their stiffest close-season test so far.

They have beaten Hull and Rotherham, but the Blades reached last season's First Division promotion play-off final before losing to Wolves.

Southgate said: "I think this will be a step up from the teams we've played, with all due respect.

"Sheffield United play a similar style to Rotherham, but they weren't far from going up last season, so I think they have more quality.''

Meanwhile, Aussie midfielder Luke Wilkshire will have further talks with Bristol City boss Danny Wilson next week over a £300,000 move to Ashton Gate.

* A Middlesbrough reserve side were beaten 2-1 by Grimsby in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Blundell Park yesterday afternoon

* Stephane Dalmat is set to stay at Inter Milan after Middlesbrough decided against signing the French midfielder.

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