LOAN-RANGER Benito Carbone has made a big impression on Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren but talks over a permanent move are still on hold until Premiership safety is secured.

Carbone, who arrived on loan until the end of the season from Bradford City last month, has already captured the hearts of the Riverside fans - without even scoring a goal.

And McClaren admits the diminutive Italian's contribution in the attacking third of the pitch has not gone unnoticed with the club's coaching staff either.

But the Boro manager maintains there are no imminent talks over a longer contract with the Teesside outfit - however he hinted the striker could have a future in the North-East next season.

"He has got ten games left with us and we will see what happens nearer the time," said McClaren, whose side can climb into the top ten of the Premiership with a win at Southampton tonight.

"I think any player at this club has something to prove between now and the end of the season, and Beni is no different.

"We want to make sure we are in this League next season and once we achieve that target we can look towards next season."

McClaren insists Carbone's attitude since the temporary switch has been first class and he has been a good example to the youngsters.

"Beni has added another dimension to the team and something we have lacked throughout," said the former Manchester United No 2.

"We pose a threat which two or three months ago we never had. It's now about time he scored a goal.

"But he is very bubbly, excellent. He's not an ounce of trouble and he is the last one to leave the training field.

"It's good to see his enthusiasm just for playing football. He's brightened the place up and he has brightened the fans up as well. He is already a fans' favourite."

Despite Carbone's influence, Boro have still found it a struggle to score goals.

Experienced teammates Gareth Southgate and Paul Ince have both blasted the critics calling them 'Boring Boro' in recent weeks.

And McClaren agreed with his stars saying: "You play to your strengths and I don't think we have been boring.

"Any match I have seen, I would say we have tried to play in the right way and we try to get the balance between that and getting results. I would certainly not call us boring, the way I jump up and down off the seat - I'm certainly not bored.

"I think we missed Alen Boksic for quite a bit and we have just recently signed Benito. Before that we didn't bring any players in at all. Ideally, we would like to win any game three or four nil. But in this business it's about winning football matches."

McClaren is under no illusions of how tough the trip to Southampton's St Mary's tonight is going to be, and he has been impressed with what Gordon Strachan has achieved since taking over in October.

"Strachan has done an excellent job," said McClaren, whose side are level on points with the Saints in 11th spot.

"After a bad start they have really put a run together and are a very hard-working team who get results."

Boro have doubts over Ince, Jonathan Greening and Robbie Stockdale ahead of tonight's clash after picking up knocks in the 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday.

Frenchman Michael Debeve could be thrown in for his debut and Gianluca Festa, Stewart Downing, David Murphy and Luke Wilkshire are all standing by.

Meanwhile, McClaren has insisted keeper Mark Crossley is still considering an improved contract offer. The Welshman's agent, Ian Elliott, has suggested Crossley is not happy with the terms being offered.

"Bearing in mind what Mark's done this season, we're disappointed and frustrated - Mark's not happy with the terms," said Elliott.

Allan Johnston is reportedly attracting interest from new Kilmarnock boss Jim Jeffries, who was his manager during the winger's spell at Hearts

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