MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has warned his side they could be facing the future champions at St. James' Park this afternoon.

Bobby Robson's Newcastle are surprise Premiership leaders ahead of the Boxing Day programme.

But England coach McClaren insisted: "It doesn't surprise me they are up there.

"Bobby had a difficult job when he took over at Newcastle a couple of years ago. He needed to turn things round and he's certainly done that with style.

"To get them top is a tremendous achievement.

He's got great passion and it must rub off on the players he works with.

"With the passion and enthusiasm of the Geordies, they're a perfect match for each other.

"Nobody gets to the top without deserving it.

There's no luck. They've worked hard, they have a great work ethic, and Bobby has them playing some great football.

"They have players capable of scoring goals, so they have to be contenders. The potential is certainly there.

"It's difficult to maintain that sort of position and you need a big squad, but if you can keep away from injuries, why not?''

McClaren believes Kieron Dyer's return after a near-ten-month injury lay-off has been a crucial factor in the Magpies' impressive run of four successive Premiership victories.

He said: "The main catalyst in recent games has been Dyer's return. He was excellent on Saturday at Leeds, his runs from midfield were very good, and he gave them an extra dimension.

"He's a fantastic player. I hope he has a nightmare against us and then continues his good form, whether he's involved with England or not. It's great for the game to see English players of Dyer's ability.''

Meanwhile, Boro's leading scorer Alen Boksic has reacted angrily to reports that he is lined up for a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Boksic has scored Boro's only goal in their last five matches, a sequence which has yielded a mere five points.

But the Croatian striker stormed: "I don't like it when people who don't know me speak about me.

"I wasn't aware I wanted to leave. These stories seem to appear whenever we lose a couple of games. Hopefully, this is the last time I will have to deny such stories.''

McClaren confirmed: "We've spoken to Alen and he denies it. He doesn't know where it has come from.

"As usual, it's all about Alen not being happy, but I see him around the place and he's training very well, and when we speak he's happy. He likes the direction we're going in.

"He's a world-class player and there's no question he is one of the most talented players I have worked with.

"But we must not rely solely on Alen. We need to create more chances and the whole team must bring us goals.''

Boksic scored both goals in Boro's 2-1 win at Newcastle last season, and McClaren added: "I watched a video of the game. The players have proved they can win there and Newcastle could be due a fall at home.''

Defender Ugo Ehiogu has promised that Newcastle will face "a different Middlesbrough'' to the one beaten 4-1 at the Riverside in September.

''I can't wait,'' admitted Ehiogu. ''I've never played against Newcastle since I've been here because of suspension or injury.

''They are a quality side at home in front of 50,000 people and they have some very dangerous players.

''But there's always an edge against a local team, and especially so this time because they really turned us over at the Riverside.

"But this time, there will be a different Middlesbrough.''