A CAUTIOUS Steve McClaren insists Middlesbrough would be wrong to underestimate one of the UEFA Cup's unknown quantities tonight.
FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk are on Teesside for the Group D fixture at the Riverside Stadium having made light work of Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian in round one - winning 5-1 on aggregate.
The Ukrainians also ran Louis van Gaal's Dutch side AZ Alkmaar close in their first group tie two weeks ago, losing 2-1.
Despite being largely unheard of outside their own country, Dnipro boast seven Ukraine internationals - a team that waltzed through their World Cup qualifying group.
And McClaren, in buoyant mood after witnessing the best display of his time in charge at Boro in the 4-1 win over Manchester United, has warned the club's supporters not to expect a walkover.
"It's going to be a tough game. Dnipro have many players who play for the Ukraine and we all know what that country has done in their World Cup push," said McClaren, whose side got off to a perfect start in the group stage by defeating Grasshoppers in Zurich.
"People will watch this team and get a surprise. I'm not taking them lightly and I've got to make sure the players don't. We have to impose our game on them. If we win we've nearly qualified."
McClaren will continue with the 5-3-2 formation that proved successful over the past week - winning at Everton in the Carling Cup before crushing United.
The Boro boss has changed personnel on a number of occasions already this season through injury and choice, but is ready to stick with the system that is proving fruitful.
Even though he will adopt the same formation, he is likely to rest players to keep players fresh for Sunday's trip to Everton in the Premiership.
That means striker Mark Viduka will come into the starting line-up, while Massimo Maccarone is also pushing for a recall.
"We've been searching for the right blend and balance within the team and because of injuries, especially to Stewart Downing," said McClaren, who is without the ineligible Fabio Rochemback. "We have searched to get us width and shape and I've said we'll find it.
"Everybody is playing to their strengths. We'll be running with it until it stops being effective. But it helps us to play two strikers."
Young defender Matthew Bates was singled out for praise by McClaren after his display against United at the weekend. McClaren said: "Six to eight months ago he always had fantastic attitude on the pitch but questions over his professionalism were raised off it.
"That's the biggest lesson we can give any player. Not just about playing but how you live your life, and then you can achieve what Matthew is at the moment."
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