FRANCK QUEUDRUE has urged Russian football chiefs to show leniency and give Emanuel Pogatetz the green light to start his new Middlesbrough career sooner rather than later.

Pogatetz has been unable to play any part in Boro's pre-season preparations as he waits to hear whether an appeal to have a six-month ban overturned has been successful.

The Austrian full-back has been forced to take a back seat from his new side's summer friendlies while he awaits international clearance to come through from parent club Bayer Leverkusen.

The English FA have not received the player's registration papers while the appeal goes on.

Boro had been expecting to learn on Monday if the Russian FA were willing to reduce the suspension dished out to Pogatetz for breaking an opposing player's leg in his final game for Spartak Moscow.

But the 22-year-old looks no nearer to being given a date to make his debut for his new employers, with the new Premiership season just three days away.

When Pogatetz does learn his fate he will be competing with Queudrue for the left-back spot in Steve McClaren's side.

Instead of being wary, the Frenchman is relishing the prospect of a serious battle for a place in that role for the first time since he signed from RC Lens three years ago.

"He looks a good player on the training pitch but we would like to see Emanuel on the football pitch. It's difficult because he has this suspension," said Queudrue.

"I really hope for him and for us that the ban is not 24 weeks - that's a bit silly for what he did."

Pogatetz made a return to Russia to visit Yaroslav Khartinsky to apologise for the tackle.

But he is still being forced to train with his new team-mates not knowing when he can begin to pay back his £1.8m transfer fee.

Pogatetz has been labelled as an 'athlete' by the club's head of sports science Chris Barnes.

Queudrue, well aware that Aiyegbeni Yakubu has also been drafted in to bolster forward ranks, said: "Everyone accepts there will be stronger competition in the team this season. Hopefully there will be more new faces."

Boro have been boosted by the news that centre-back Ugo Ehiogu has recovered from a groin problem and should be fit to face Liverpool at the weekend.

There are unlikely to be any more signings this week as talks with Sporting Lisbon continue over winger Rudolph Douala.

Boro hope to add two more faces to the squad before the end of the month.

* Massimo Maccarone and Szilard Nemeth were both on the scoresheet for Boro reserves last night as they reminded watching boss Steve McClaren that they should not be ruled out of his thinking.

Both would appear to be contesting a place on the bench for Saturday's Premiership opener against Liverpool.

But the international duo helped Boro reserves to a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Billingham.

Right back Tony McMahon left the field clutching his right shoulder. Both clubs elected to field strong line-ups and Lee Hendrie almost put the Villa into the lead in the third minute.

But the opening goal was scored by Boro after nine minutes when a powerful run and cross from Maccarone set Nemeth up with a simple chance.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor equalised, Liam Ridgewell deflected a free kick into the net after 29 minutes. Boro equalised seven minutes after the break when a left wing cross fell to Maccarone, who took his time before hammering home off a defender.

Middlesbrough: Jones, McMahon (Craddock 69), Grounds, Cattermole, Wheater, Hines (Walker 46), Kennedy, Job (Liddle 46), Maccarone, Nemeth, A. Johnson.