ALEN BOKSIC has spoken of the humiliation he felt at Middlesbrough last season as the club struggled to preserve their Premiership status under Bryan Robson.

The Croatian striker was the toast of Teesside on Saturday night after scoring the goal that clinched another memorable Boro win over champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Boksic looked a forlorn figure at the turn of the year and went almost two months without starting a game as he battled injury and illness.

Doubts were raised about his future with Boro, but manager Steve McClaren has reaped the benefits as Boksic has rediscovered his form, fitness and appetite for the game.

The 32-year-old, on duty with his country this week for tomorrow's game with Slovenia, is now making it his personal mission to lead Boro to their first major trophy in this season's FA Cup.

They face a daunting semi-final clash with double-seeking Arsenal a fortnight on Sunday when they return to Old Trafford.

Their latest victory at the Theatre of Dreams - they beat United 3-2 there three seasons ago - has done much to ease renewed relegation fears.

It's a far cry from 12 months ago when Boro's sole aim was top-flight survival after Terry Venables had been brought in to bail out the beleaguered Robson.

Boksic was signed by Robson from Lazio for £2.5m in the summer of 2000 and was clearly dismayed by his side's dismal form, especially at home where they won only four Premiership games all season. Boksic said: "It was a little bit frustrating because we won just four matches at home and it was very humiliating.

"But now clubs know when they come to the Riverside that they are a little bit afraid. That is good, because it's important to win at home. Our fans can be happy with our home games this year."

Boksic, now Boro's leading scorer this season with eight goals, admits he has fallen under the spell of the Cup.

"When I played in France and Italy, people always spoke about the English FA Cup as something very special,'' he told Boro's website.

"It's true, it is very special, a really important competition for the players and the fans.

"It's completely different to the Premier League games. In our quarter-final here against Everton, the first 20 to 25 minutes were very hard and intensive. It's always like that.

"It will be very difficult against Arsenal because they are one of the best teams in Europe.

"We're not favourites to win the Cup, but we weren't favourites also against Manchester United and we won, so anything is possible.''

A scan has revealed that Boro midfielder Jonathan Greening only sustained a bruised hip on Saturday, though he could still be a doubt for the Easter games at home to Tottenham and at Derby.

Goalkeeper Mark Crossley has withdrawn from the Wales squad for the game against the Czech Republic in Cardiff after sustaining a knee injury. Meanwhile, Boro sources have denied reports that Lens have hiked the asking price for on-loan Franck Queudrue.

The left-back has confirmed that Boro are in talks with the French side about making his move to the Riverside permanent.

Boro's option to buy Queudrue for a fixed fee expired ten days ago, but it is understood they hope to agree a deal for around £2m.

Queudrue said: "I hope to stay because I like England and I like this club. Maybe soon I will know whether I can stay because negotiations are going on with Lens and Middlesbrough now."

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