IN the absence of two of Middlesbrough's most influential stars they boast an impressive record, and now manager Steve McClaren has a couple of massive decisions to make.

Boro fans must have feared the worst when they knew captain Paul Ince and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer were going to be out for the same three games. But few could argue with what the rest of the squad have achieved while Ince has served his suspension and Schwarzer has been away on international duty. Boro have not conceded a goal in each of the three games and Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackburn meant five points have been chalked up during that period. The success at Ewood Park ensured McClaren's men stretched their unbeaten run to four Premiership matches and they are just two points away from Manchester United in seventh.

But next Saturday's trip sees the return of the missing two and McClaren faces a dilemma.

Mark Crossley has not conceded a goal for the 270 minutes he has deputised for the big Australian between the posts.

It is a statistic which the Boro boss admits could see the rejuvenated Welshman keep his place in the starting line-up for Saturday's trip to leaders Liverpool. But McClaren added: "I think Paul Barron (goalkeeping coach) has a big decision to make.

"I will be listening to hear who has been looking the best in training over the next week."

Crossley made a number of important saves at Blackburn to keep Graeme Souness' side at bay, and it is hard to see how Schwarzer will be able to walk straight back into the side.

Just before half-time Crossley kept out a David Dunn strike, perhaps fortuitously, with his feet seconds after Alen Boksic had given the visitors the lead. It was the Croatian's sixth of the season and it will not go down as one of his best.

Souness was spot on when he described it, saying: "Craig Short went in for a tackle, the ball spun off Boksic and it looped over the keeper and into the net. It was one of those things."

In fact, it ended Blackburn's impressive unbeaten home record since gaining promotion from the First Division.

Earlier Blackburn full-back Martin Taylor had an effort hit the foot of the post and Boksic could have broken the deadlock on 17 minutes when he shot straight into Brad Friedel's arms from six yards.

Jonathan Greening, still playing in the middle alongside Robbie Mustoe, had an outstanding first half.

The £2m capture from Old Trafford faded a little in the second half but he never allowed Turkish midfielder Tugay to get into the clash, and was creative going forward.

Greening's best moment came midway through the first period when he dispossessed Tugay and ran at the defence before his dipping shot was tipped over. The defence of Colin Cooper, in for injured Robbie Stockdale, Ugo Ehiogu, Gareth Southgate and Franck Queudrue all did their jobs well.

And after shoring up the backline all McClaren will be concerned with now is getting his forwards to fire on all cylinders.

While Boro have kept three straight clean sheets - against Aston Villa, Ipswich and now Blackburn -- Boksic's lucky goal was their only one to show during those fixtures.

And with a December that sees Boro take on Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Fulham, McClaren will be aiming to put that right. The former Manchester United No 2 said: "I think every team comes across this tough period and that's what we have got now.

"I think we will know in January just how far we have come and where we will be in the League.

"We are looking OK at the moment and we have got to look to continue that. After the first four games of the season we came under a lot of criticism from all sides. "But now everyone is working hard and we have adopted a seige mentality.

"We must make sure we continue to progress as we have been recently."

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