MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren heaped praised on Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu after their solid performances at Aston Villa, writes PAUL FRASER.

Southgate and Ehiogu, making returns to the club who sold them on, were the main reason Villa could not find the breakthrough in the 0-0 draw.

And McClaren, whose side remain 13th in the Premiership, said: "They knew how important it was to go back and perform well.

"There was a great emphasis put on them both going back and I think they coped superbly.

"Their performances were outstanding and they have been doing that week in and week out for us.

"I couldn't fault them, and I also thought Mark Crossley (recalled in goal& was fantastic."

The absence of Paul Ince through suspension saw Boro lacking both his leadership and battling qualities early on. But as the game progressed the visitors' determination to grind out a result was clear to see.

It may not have been pretty but the frustrating tactics worked and McClaren was delighted with the way the midfield coped without Ince.

"Jonathan Greening did very well," said McClaren. "Without Paul Ince you are always going to miss a player like him.

"We had to change the team and we had to show character without him. We showed that and it's exactly what we've been trying to get from the players."

Meanwhile, Ehiogu spoke of his delight after taking a point from his old teammates.

And the 29-year-old, who did'nt put a foot wrong, was able to cope with the jibes directed at him and Southgate.

"It was a performance I enjoyed," said Ehiogu. "I knew I was always going to get stick, I think Gareth got a little more than I did.

"That type of atmosphere can either inspire you or it can make you go under - it inspired us.

"But it was good to make sure Villa didn't take all the points away from the game. It's good for us because Villa are a good side and they could have gone top."

Frenchman Franck Queudrue, substituted at half-time after taking a knock on the knee, should be fit to play against Ipswich on Sunday

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