AS if trying to solve England's left-sided problem was not taxing enough, Steve McClaren has suddenly found himself facing exactly the same dilemma on the domestic stage.

The Middlesbrough manager had the luxury of two world-class wingers last season, with Stewart Downing and Bolo Zenden battling it out for a spot on the left of midfield.

But, with Downing nursing a long-term knee problem and Zenden having swapped the Riverside for Anfield, McClaren is currently scrambling to plug the gap.

Teenager Adam Johnson has started Boro's last two games against Arsenal and Xanthi but, by the time the final whistle blew on each occasion, he had been replaced by full-back Emanuel Pogatetz.

Both players have had their moments and, as he ponders who should be given the nod at Wigan tomorrow, McClaren has admitted his options remain open.

"It is an area in which we are searching for a solution," said the Boro boss, who still has eight first-team players missing following an injury-plagued start to the season.

"I thought that, against Arsenal, the 20 minutes Emanuel played on the left of midfield were excellent.

"I also thought he gave us a threat when we switched him there against Xanthi on Thursday evening. He delivered some great crosses into the box and he's got energy to burn. It's something we will definitely look at in the future.

"But, at the same time, we've given Adam fantastic experience - both in the Premiership and in Europe. In the space of one week, he's played against Arsenal and played in the UEFA Cup.

"He's only 18-years-old, but he hasn't looked out of place in our first team at all. We are not afraid to play our younger players in big games."

With Wigan certain to adopt a high-tempo approach at the JJB Stadium, a combination of Pogatetz and Franck Queudrue would seem to offer Middlesbrough the greater solidity.

Paul Jewell's side earned their first Premiership win at West Brom last weekend, but McClaren did not need that result to confirm the Latics' rapid rise in the last two years.

"We played them two years ago in the Carling Cup and they gave us a very hard game," he said. "We did well to win that one 2-1.

"They've certainly improved since then. Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job. They've adapted to life in the Premiership and they're at home. It will be a very difficult game for us, especially as it is our third one in a week.

"But we've got to take confidence from what happened against Arsenal. If we can beat them, we can beat anybody."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.