BENITO CARBONE last night performed a dramatic u-turn and agreed to join Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.

The Italian striker, who recently returned to First Division Bradford City after three months on loan at Derby County, had initially baulked at the prospect of another temporary deal.

Following talks with Boro boss Steve McClaren on Wednesday, 30-year-old Carbone insisted he would only consider a move back to the Premiership if it was on a permanent basis.

But the former Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa star, who is picking up £40,000-a-week at Valley Parade, is now expected to complete his move to Teesside today and make his Boro debut in tomorrow's home game against Leeds. Bantams chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: ''It is the lure of again playing in the Premiership, with a not unattractive first game at home to Leeds on Saturday, which has led to his change of mind.''

The move will be with a view to a concrete deal in the summer. McClaren said: "A loan is all we can offer at the moment and it's a case of giving him an opportunity to play again in the Premier League. We're not pursuing anything else at the present time.''

McClaren turned his attention to Carbone after failing in attempts to sign Argentinian striker Diego Forlan, who instead joined Manchester United, and Dwight Yorke from the Old Trafford club.

The arrival of Carbone is sure to be welcomed by Boro's star marksman Alen Boksic who, when he has been available, has lacked frontline support. Boksic is ready to link up with Croatia for their friendly against Bulgaria next week - even though he hasn't started a Boro game since Boxing Day.

The 32-year-old striker has been named in the Croatia squad as they begin their preparations for the World Cup. Boksic has recovered from a calf injury and intends travelling to Rijeka in his homeland after the Leeds game.

The £2.5m former Lazio man could return to Boro's starting line-up for the first time since he stormed straight down the tunnel when he was hauled off in the closing stages of the 3-0 festive derby defeat at Newcastle.

Flu then forced him to miss the 2-1 setback at Arsenal, before he made a late appearance as a substitute in Boro's New Year's Day home win over Everton.

Subsequently, however, Boksic has had no match-day involvement, despite returning to training and being named in the squad for Sunday's dire goalless home draw with Charlton.

McClaren admitted after the game that Boksic still needed "a few more days'' before he could be considered for selection.

Boro have lost only one of their last eight games in all competitions, but are still just two points off a relegation place.

Noel Whelan has carried the weight of Boro's attacking expectations with five goals in nine games. But they have still been short of firepower in the absence of leading scorer Boksic, who has six goals this season.

Meanwhile, Boro midfielder Phil Stamp yesterday conceded that he is playing for his future.

Stamp has won back his place after being hampered by niggling injuries and loaned to Millwall.

The 26-year-old local boy, who won rave reviews when he first established himself in the first team under Bryan Robson during the 1995-96 campaign, is out of contract at the end of next season.

He said: "I've got to make up for lost time. I don't think I've ever fulfilled my potential here. Everybody at the club knows the ability I have.

"Hopefully, if I get a good run in the team, I can prove myself, and my best chance will probably come next season. I'm a local lad and I want to stay here.

"I was very close to signing for Millwall, but Steve always said he would give me a chance if I stayed.

"Playing for Middlesbrough means everything to me.''

Stamp has shed weight in a bid to improve his general fitness. He said: "I've been working quite closely with Chris Barnes, our fitness coach.

"I've lost weight and I will lose more, but the real problem over the last two years has been my hamstring, so we've been trying to strengthen my legs with weights.''

Stamp is aware that fans fear Boro could be heading for their third relegation from the Premiership, and he admitted: "We've got to be concerned because of where we are in the League.

"The last five or six years have been a real roller-coaster - it's been unbelievable.

"I think everyone is happy that Steve McClaren is manager, but I think they're a bit disappointed with where we are in the table.

"The confidence was low about a month ago, but winning games breeds confidence and you can even see that coming through now in training.''

Read more about the Boro here.