ALEN BOKSIC last night flashed a "count me in'' message to Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson ahead of Monday's derby clash with Newcastle.

Boksic took a battering in Croatia's World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Zagreb on Wednesday night.

The £2.5m striker, who handed Croatia an early lead before Newcastle's Kevin Gallacher replied for Scotland, was stretchered off with a shoulder injury and also had two teeth knocked out.

But he contacted Robson yesterday to assure him he would be fit for the Tyne-Tees tussle at the Riverside Stadium.

Boksic has scored five goals in as many starts for Boro since his arrival from Lazio and a relieved Robson confirmed: "I've spoken to him on the phone and he said he thought he'd be okay.

"He's lost a couple of teeth. The thing that bothered me at the time was his shoulder.

"But he went for x-rays and they were clear.

"It's pleasing that the game is on Monday so that he's got an extra day to recover.''

Robson welcomes back defensive kingpin Gary Pallister after more than a month out with a groin injury.

Robson said: "I think Pally proved early in the season how important he is to us. He's got great composure on the ball and he gives us an aerial threat as well.

"You always want to have your best players available. I look at Manchester United and, with Jaap Stam being out, for the first time in ages they're losing games.

"I class Pally in the same way as far as we are concerned. He's important to us.''

Meanwhile, Australia defender Simon Colosimo is training with Boro with a view to a £1m move from native side Carlton.

Robson said: "He'll be around for a few more days, then we'll sit down and have a chat with him.''

The Boro boss is also on the trail of Boksic's Croatia teammate Zvonimir Boban.

The AC Milan schemer is available for a package of around £6m on a two-year contract.

Boro's goalkeeping jinx claimed Gary Walsh in his last match on loan from Bradford.

Walsh went off late on in Boro's 3-1 win at Southampton a fortnight ago with a pulled thigh muscle and Robson said: "He's going to be out for four or five weeks.''

Walsh was brought in as temporary cover after Boro lost Mark Schwarzer, Mark Crossley, Marlon Beresford and Brad Jones to injuries and illness.

l The winner of a pair of tickets for Monday's clash is Ken Marley of Barnard Castle after he answered that last season's derby ended in a 2-2 draw.