STEVE McCLAREN has admitted to being "upset'' by claims that he is guilty of spin in suggesting Middlesbrough made "immense progress'' in his second season as manager.

McClaren, who according to Dutch sources has declared an interest in Feyenoord's Newcastle target Brett Emerton, believes Boro's 11th-place Premiership finish failed to reflect headway at the Riverside.

Their position was only one place higher than the previous season, and a 49-point haul just four greater.

But McClaren is adamant Boro now have a "springboard'' to launch a concerted push for Europe and major honours next season.

"I've been a bit upset by people claiming I've gone overboard on all the positives,'' confessed McClaren.

"But I look at things, and there are positives. We only lost twice at home and had some fantastic matches here, beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool.

"Only Man. United, Arsenal and Chelsea scored more goals than us at home.

"We were joint second defensively away, but joint second bottom for scoring away.

"We only scored 12 away League goals which was very poor.

"Hence our away form was poor, but we're very close to getting it right and we know what we have to do this summer to make sure we do that.''

Boro sources have confirmed that McClaren is interested in Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, but the Black Cats' £4m asking price is a stumbling block.

McClaren is still hoping to land Cameroon midfielder Geremi from Real Madrid following his successful season's loan on Teesside. Boro's £3m offer falls way short of Real's £9m-plus demand.

But Australian international Emerton, tracked by Boro when Bryan Robson and Terry Venables were in charge, emerged last night as a possible alternative target.

Newcastle are still keeping tabs on the right-sided schemer, who was the subject of a failed £8m bid by the Magpies last summer. It is understood Feyenoord would now be tempted by a £5m offer.

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