MICHAEL REIZIGER faces a hot reception back on Teesside should he ever return - after stating new team PSV are 'a bigger club . . .with a more successful history'.

Reiziger turned his back on Teesside only one season for life back in his native Holland.

The 32-year-old defender arrived at the Riverside with a world class reputation backed by a glittering playing career with Holland, Ajax and Barcelona.

Many felt McClaren had pulled off a major coup when he managed to secure the former Dutch international's signature on a free transfer from Barca last summer.

But Reiziger hardly justified his standing as a defender of great repute during his short say at the club.

Although Reiziger claims he enjoyed his time at the Riverside, these comments will hardly endear himself to Boro supporters who have a reputation for giving a warm welcome to all of their former stars, regardless of how well they performed while at the club.

"Everything has worked out positively for me," said Reiziger, who made his comments ahead of PSV's Champions League fixture against German side Schalke 04 tonight.

"I have moved to a club with a big history who have a chance of winning things. PSV is a bigger club than Middlesbrough with a more successful history, and I can now finish playing at the very top."

The defender then took a veiled swipe at Boro's failure to qualify for the Champions League last season and an inability to match their Carling Cup exploits the one before that.

He added: "They (PSV) are always challenging for trophies and are always playing on the biggest stage, and that was important.

"PSV are in the Champions League. It is a step up for me because Middlesbrough aren't in the competition."

Reiziger, who made 25 appearances and netted three goals for the Teessiders, claims his indifferent form at Boro was down to injury and apologised to fans for not giving them his best.

"I had a lot of injuries at Middlesbrough and because of that the fans did not see the best of me," he admitted. "I'm sorry that I couldn't do more but it was out of my hands."

But despite a poor season Reiziger still confessed he still enjoyed his stay at the Riverside.

He said: "I had a good time at Middlesbrough.

"My colleagues were very nice and the club and supporters were very good, but the opportunity came about to come to PSV and it was just one I didn't feel I could turn down."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.