MIDDLESBROUGH have been rocked by the loss of leading scorer Alen Boksic with a knee ligament injury.

The Croatian striker, who has scored five goals in six starts for Boro since his £2.5m summer move from Lazio, misses today's crucial game against Charlton at The Valley.

Boksic has a history of knee trouble, but Boro boss Bryan Robson insisted the injury is not serious and said: "He should be back next week.''

Boskic was one of three Boro casualties from Monday's 3-1 home defeat by Newcastle. Midfield duo Robbie Mustoe (shoulder) and Phil Stamp (hamstring) are also sidelined.

But Boksic is the big miss and Robson confirmed: "He picked up the injury against Newcastle and he's too sore to be involved this weekend.''

Boro, who today parade £8m defender Ugo Ehiogu for the first time, are hoping to continue their impressive away form to counter a dreadful run at home.

While they have taken eight points out of a possible 12 on their travels, Boro have mustered only two from 15 at the Riverside Stadium.

But Robson believes there has been an alarmist reaction to his side's homesickness.

He said: "It hurts your pride when you lose a derby because of the local rivalry.

"But we've got three away games in a row and hopefully we can bounce straight back and keep our away form going.

"Charlton have had a steady start to the season and it's never easy at The Valley.

"But the confidence of the boys away from home is very good and I think there's a good chance of a win.

"We don't go anywhere and sit in for a draw. Even though Alen Boksic is out, I still feel I've got the firepower to go for a win.

"I think people get carried away with one or two results. Our home form does concern me and we've got to put it right.

"But there's still a lot of points to play for this season and we just need a few consecutive victories and the league table will be looking a lot different.

"I don't get carried away with good or bad results because, with three points for a win, I know how quickly things can change.''

The Boro boss, booed by fans after Monday's miserable showing by his side, confirmed that Newcastle counterpart Bobby Robson gave him a post-match pep-talk.

"Bobby came in to see me and have a chat. He said: 'Don't let it get you down. You know what it's like in this game. You just keep battling on and do things the way they should be done'.''

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley is demanding a major improvement from his side today.

The Addicks are sitting comfortably in the top half of the table after an excellent start to the season in their return to the top flight.

But Curbishley acknowledges Charlton were lucky to come from behind and earn a home draw to Coventry three weeks ago and, with an away defeat at Leeds following the international break, knows from experience the vital importance of not going too long without a win in the Premiership.

Two years ago the south London club lost eight games in a row to be relegated straight back to the Nationwide League and Curbishley is determined not to let that happen again.

''The last two games we've been disappointed with our performances,'' Curbishley said. ''We perhaps got away with it against Coventry but not last Saturday.