MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren paid tribute to the "whole back five" after a resolute and commanding display from an unfamiliar defence kept the clean sheet needed in Holland last night.

Centre-backs Chris Riggott and Ugo Ehiogu were outstanding against AZ Alkmaar, while full-backs Matthew Bates and Emanuel Pogatetz both grew in stature as the UEFA Cup clash developed.

And young goalkeeper Brad Jones, playing because of an injury to Mark Schwarzer, made a number of impressive saves to thwart AZ's advances.

McClaren, whose side have now kept five clean sheets in the competition so far, said: "All of them were very good. When you consider we had a young goalkeeper and an 18-year-old right-back playing like that it will boost confidence in the whole squad.

"The defence needed to be good on a night like that and they were. I think Jones proved how good he is. His general demeanour was one of a genuinely composed keeper with a bright future.

"Chris Riggott was also outstanding, but so were they all.

"To come here and achieve a clean sheet was very important for us against a team who freely score goals. We did what we came here to do.

"You saw we are a tough nut to crack. We had a bit of luck. We had decisions go for us and sometimes they don't."

Last season Boro lost in the group stage to seeded Villarreal - a defeat that cost them top placing in their group.

But McClaren refrained from saying Boro are a better team this time around. "I wouldn't say we are. Last season we qualified and we have this season," he said.

"Villarreal outplayed us and this was a similar test and we came through it. Five clean sheets now and we are showing we know how to play in Europe."

AZ coach Louis van Gaal - whose free-scoring side have scored 24 goals in six home matches this season - was left frustrated that winger Tarik Sekitioui's first half strike was ruled out for offside.

He refused to say whether or not he thought Boro could go all the way in the competition.

"I'm very disappointed with the result and felt robbed that we were not allowed that goal.

"We have seen a Middlesbrough team who came for a draw, adjusted to the game and got what they wanted."