ANNOYED manager Steve McClaren last night firmly denied that he was about to walk away from his England coaching role to focus completely on improving Middlesbrough's dreadful Premiership position.

McClaren, who will be hoping his side win their first game of the season at home to Second Division strugglers Northampton Town tonight in the Worthington Cup, was yesterday reported to have been told by chairman Steve Gibson to quit his post as one of Sven-Goran Eriksson's backroom men.

But the former Manchester United No 2 fumed: "That report was total rubbish. And they should get the facts sorted out before they publish a story like that.

"I have said all along I will be the first person to take action if I do not think I can give 100 per cent and do the two jobs. If that was the case I would sit down and seriously think about it."

Gibson had earlier stated that he was standing by the man he appointed to replace Bryan Robson in the summer by insisting: "There's no truth in this whatsoever. I continue to support Steve in his England duties."

Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United condemned Boro to their fourth consecutive reverse and McClaren's dual-role has been coming under increased scrutiny.

And while he feels confident he can transform Boro's fortunes he understands why a large section of the club's supporters would like him to concentrate solely on the Riverside job.

McClaren, who revealed he intends to be on Eriksson's bench for the final World Cup Qualifier against Greece at Old Trafford on October 6, said: "When you are in a run like we are you are always looking for excuses and the two jobs is an excuse.

"I knew that taking the two jobs would open me up to criticism along those lines, but I will reiterate that it's my decision, along with the chairman, and it's a decision I will make."

Gibson kept faith with ex-boss Robson when he came under pressure for months of underachievement, and the latter's successor indicated that a good chairman is what helped him decide to take over the reins.

And, despite the early season failings, McClaren insists that he is confident he is placing the necessary foundations for a bright future.

"This was always a long term job and I stated that from the first day I came here," said McClaren, whose side prop up the Premiership with a goal difference of -10.

"One of the main reasons I came here was because of the chairman. History has proved he backs his manager 100 per cent.

"And before I took on this job I had plenty of advice from different people and what came out of that was that I knew I had to take on a job where there was going to be an excellent chairman.

"I am still very ambitious for this club and I still believe we can achieve things. We have got a good platform to build from. The players are working towards what we are trying to do and I can only see it being a matter of time."

Defeat this evening against the Cobblers would pile up the pressure on McClaren who is not expecting the lower league opposition to make life easy.

But victory could be just the tonic Boro need to kick-start their season after what can only be described as a disastrous first month, which has only seen defender Colin Cooper find the back of the net.

Cooper, a centre-back performing well on the left, is struggling to be fit for the cup tie with an Achilles problem and 17-year-old David Murphy is standing by to make his full debut.

The Hartlepool-born left-back, who has been a regular for England's youth teams, has the perfect chance to stake a claim for a spot in the side, with Cooper his only recognised competition.

And McClaren said: "I have not fully decided yet whether to bring in Murphy and give him his debut or not. With these four games in eight days Colin may need to rest but if he feels he can play then I'm sure he can.

"But it's always been my philosophy since day one to give youth its chance, after taking a look at the youth set up here.

"I've been very impressed with what Dave Parnaby and Mark Proctor have been doing here with the kids and we have certainly got some good ones coming through.

"Mark Hudson was already recognised before I came and there is also Luke Wilkshire, David Murphy, Stewart Downing and Stuart Parnaby all names who I'm aiming to fast track through at some stage."

Slovakian Szilard Nemeth is almost certain to be pencilled in for his first home appearance tonight but Alen Boksic is not expected to return until Saturday's match with West Ham United. Carlos Marinelli is also included in the squad.

Meanwhile, McClaren admitted that he is expecting to hear a "favourable" outcome from the Benni McCarthy camp over the next few days.

Celta Vigo striker, McCarthy, is expected to join Boro on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent switch to Teesside.

McClaren said: "It will be resolved in the next day or two. Talks are ongoing and I'm expected a favourable decision."

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