STEVE McCLAREN last night congratulated Tony Vidmar on the gamble he took to resurrect his career with Middlesbrough.

The Australia defender faced the prospect of joining the dole queue in the summer after being released by Rangers.

But McClaren threw him a lifeline and the Boro manager is now also reaping the benefit himself.

Vidmar, 33, has proved a more than able deputy at left-back for Franck Queudrue during the Frenchman's recent disciplinary problems.

Queudrue has been sent off twice this season and incurred a double suspension, the second of which he completes at West Brom this Saturday.

But the £2.5m signing from Lens may find it hard to regain his place following the versatile Vidmar's consistent performances.

"Tony has never let us down,'' said McClaren. "He's shown a tremendous attitude. It was a bit of a gamble for him coming here.

"He didn't get involved at first, but he was patient and took his opportunity very well.''

Adelaide-born Vidmar admitted: "The summer was a very frustrating period for me. It had crossed my mind that I wouldn't find a club. I had gone the whole summer without a club after being released and, as the days went by, I had to think long and hard about where my career was going.

"But Middlesbrough eventually came in for me and offered me a trial. I spent a good few weeks here before I was offered a contract until the end of the season. Now I'm just pleased I can concentrate on my football and press my claims.''

Meanwhile, McClaren is backing Alen Boksic to rediscover his goal touch after opening his season's account in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Manchester City.

Boksic has been troubled by injury and illness this season, but McClaren says the Croatian striker has still played a major role in helping club record £8.15m signing Massimo Maccarone settle at the Riverside.

McClaren said: "Alen has the potential to be a prolific goalscorer again, averaging a goal every other game. He's done it before.

"But he also helps the other strikers. He helped Massimo enormously against City and worked hard for the team.

"Unfortunately, Alen has had his injuries, but we have a very good squad now and we've been able to rotate the strikers.

"Last season, we struggled when Alen was out, but this year we have great competition.

"He's no asset when he's on the treatment table - but he's a tremendous one when he's out on the pitch.''

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