STEVE McCLAREN last night indicated he would be the first to admit if his coaching role with England was damaging Middlesbrough's Premiership prospects.

The Boro boss, who leads his side into the derby with Newcastle United at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon, has just returned from two weeks with his country.

But while some believe McClaren should be solely focused on trying to earn the Teessiders their first points of the season, the former Manchester United No 2 insists he can juggle both jobs.

"I knew from the moment I took on the two roles I would be open to some form of criticism," said McClaren, one of Sven-Goran Eriksson's backroom men.

"But that is football and you have to accept that. It certainly does not affect or sway my feelings towards either.

"I would be the one who would decide whether to give it up and I would know whether I could or couldn't cope.

"If the England job did not allow me to give Middlesbrough 100 per cent commitment, I would not do it.

"While I was away I kept in touch and I know Steve Harrison has been doing a great job. Since I have come back I have noticed the players are all buoyant and the way they practised on Thursday and Friday was very good."

Defeats by Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers and Everton have left Boro next to bottom of the table without even scoring a goal.

And with star striker Alen Boksic undergoing a late fitness test today on a calf injury, goals could again be a struggle.

Slovakian frontman Szilard Nemeth is also a doubt after grabbing a goal for his country in midweek, but McClaren is hopeful the summer signing will play some part.

And McClaren, who is refusing to be drawn into the derby hype, is convinced that if his players can take their first points against the Magpies, Boro's campaign can take off.

"It's the same type of pressure I feel before any game," said McClaren. "Whether you are at the top of the league or the bottom, there's always pressure.

"I think we have been making good progress and there is no despondency in the camp. There's a thin dividing line between winning and losing and we are just below that line.

"Newcastle is just another game and hopefully we will get something. There was obvious disappointment after the start we have had."

But McClaren knows that the team he selects will have to be at their best against a Newcastle side boosted by the return of Alan Shearer.

The United skipper made a 15-minute appearance as a substitute in the draw with Sunderland nearly two weeks ago, and is expected to play a bigger part against Boro.

McClaren said: "I saw Newcastle against Sunderland and was very impressed by their spirit. Alan Shearer is always dangerous. He is a leader."

Centre-back Steve Vickers, who recently turned down the chance to join Crystal Palace, is set to replace Ugo Ehiogu who serves a one-match ban following his sending-off against Arsenal on the opening day.

And McClaren is almost certain to hand £1m signing Allan Johnston his debut after he completed his switch from Rangers last week.

The 27-year-old former Sunderland winger is desperate to be involved in the Premiership again and can't wait to face Bobby Robson's men.

He said: "I'm excited about joining Middlesbrough because it is a massive club.

"I am just looking forward to playing for this club and being successful."

The Scottish international added: "I loved my time at Sunderland and playing against Newcastle, but being from Glasgow a move to Rangers was a dream.

"Things didn't work out there and now I'm just looking towards playing in the Premiership again because it is the place to be."

McClaren is confident Johnston will help strengthen his side's attack and supply ammunition from the wing.

"I am delighted we have acquired his services,'' he said. "We have an international player who has played on the big stage. He can also play anywhere across the front-line."

* Boro reserve-team striker Gerard Robinson has joined Irish side Dundalk for a three-month loan spell. Robinson, 19, is a Republic of Ireland youth international.

* Boro's 19-year-old centre-back Aron Wilford has signed for Scarborough on a month's loan. Wilford was recruited to the academy at 17 from Harrogate College

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