AFTER Saturday's heroics against Manchester United, Gaizka Mendieta is hoping to play a central role in Middlesbrough's season in more ways than one.

The Spain international is understandably keen to produce more match-winning displays as Boro chase success on both the domestic and European fronts.

And, after being shuffled inside from the right flank on Saturday, the player who was once the world's most expensive footballer is also desperate to retain his new position in the middle of the park.

Despite his ability at the heart of midfield, most of Mendieta's Middlesbrough career has been spent on the right wing.

But, with boss Steve McClaren switching to a 3-5-2 system in recent weeks, the 30-year-old found himself back in his preferred position at the weekend.

The result was his best display in a Boro shirt and, as the Teessiders prepare to face Ukrainian side Dnipro tomorrow night, Mendieta is keen to keep his place at the heart of the action.

"It felt great playing in the middle of the pitch, because you are involved in more of the action," said the Spaniard, who missed most of last season after snapping his cruciate ligament in October.

"That is where I am happiest playing my football and, if possible, I would like to play there more this season.

"You get a lot more of the ball, which is why I like it so much. I am a player who likes to be on the ball so that I can make things happen.

"You are always involved when you are playing in the middle of midfield. It is great for my game and, on Saturday, I think it was great for Middlesbrough as well."

Mendieta is one of a number of players who could be rested tomorrow night, as McClaren balances the need for a positive UEFA Cup result with the desire to keep his squad fresh ahead of Sunday's trip to Everton.

Up front, the likes of Mark Viduka, Massimo Maccarone and Szilard Nemeth come into contention for a rare start while, in midfield, James Morrison and Adam Johnson will be hoping to make an impression.

Reserve goalkeeper Brad Jones could also get a rare outing, with the Australian hoping to show that compatriot Mark Schwarzer is not McClaren's only option between the sticks.

"The manager has always been happy to put me in," said Jones. "I've played ten games and, last season, they came in a nice little group.

"It was nice to have a run where I could prove myself and show I could do it again and again.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself to do what I'm happy with and, so far, I think I've done that.

"Last season was good because, in the run I had, there were a few games where I had a bit to do.

"It showed the fans what I could do and it announced my arrival to the people on the outside who were thinking, who's he?"

* Young Middlesbrough fans will be able to watch the club's next Premiership home game, against Fulham, for just £5.

Boro have announced a special ticket offer for under-16s for the fixture on Sunday, November 20.

Supporters will be able to purchase up to three £5 children's tickets for the South Stand with every full-priced adult ticket purchased or adult season ticket owned.

Boro have also confirmed that they will be happy to move season ticket holders to the South Stand to allow them to sit with their guests