STEVE McCLAREN reckons Alen Boksic has a reputation to match the likes of Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Michael Owen.

Boksic's goal record of late would suggest otherwise; the Middlesbrough striker has yet to score this season. But he has shaken off a foot injury and is hungry to break his duck when Leeds visit the Riverside today.

Boksic picked up the injury while on duty with Croatia and missed Boro's 1-0 defeat at Charlton last weekend.

But manager McClaren confirmed: "Alen is fit and has trained for the last three days, and as long as he has no reaction, he's available.

"When he plays, all defenders know they have to concentrate because, one slip, and he has the quality to hurt you.

"Whenever he is in the team, people know before the game starts that they are facing a world-class striker.

"You're pleased if you go to Arsenal and Henry isn't playing, and the same applies to van nistelrooy at Manchester United and Owen at Liverpool.

"Those players win matches and Alen has earned similar respect through years at the top of the game.

"Having him back gives us exciting options and it's a dilemma picking the team.''

Boksic will partner Massimo Maccarone and Joseph Job is likely to get the nod over Szilard Nemeth.

But McClaren admitted: "If I could play all four, I would love to, but someone is going to be left out this weekend and be unfortunate.

"We have front players who have all performed. I know Alen hasn't scored, but he's shown a fantastic attitude and workrate. The only thing missing is a goal.

"I know Massimo looks up to him and likes playing with him, and Alen has proved a great foil for him.

"Nemeth has come in and scored goals and Job has been fantastic as well. He was one of our better performers on Sunday and has been very consistent.''

Leeds may have hit a lean patch, but McClaren is acutely aware of the threat posed by England striker Alan Smith.

"I've always admired Alan,'' said McClaren. "I like his aggression and will to win. At times it has got him into trouble, but his attitude is something that sticks out. Having worked with him with England, what has really surprised me is how talented he is.

"I thought he played well against Macedonia last week.

"Winners are hard to come by, and he's certainly one of them. Anybody who plays against him knows they have been in a game.''

McClaren, meanwhile, has injury doubts about midfielder George Boateng (ankle) and right-back Robbie Stockdale (heel).

Read more about Middlesbrough here.