CHRIS Riggott last night paid tribute to the bravery of Emanuel Pogatetz after his central defensive partner was ruled out for the rest of the season following a facial fracture.

Pogatetz, who has earned the nickname 'Mad Dog' because of his no-nonsense approach, was carried from Basle's St Jakob Park on a stretcher on Thursday night after a sickening clash of heads left him writhing in agony on the ground.

It was initially feared that the Austria international had suffered a fractured skull but, while subsequent tests have proved that is not the case, he will still need extensive surgery next week to repair the damage.

As well as breaking his nose, Pogatetz has suffered a fracture to his maxilla, a bone to the side of his left cheek.

The 23-year-old will not play again this season and, while Riggott admits there is no blame to be apportioned in the aftermath of the incident, the Middlesbrough defender admits his team-mate might still have been fit had it not been for his whole-hearted commitment.

"That's exactly what Emanuel is all about," said Riggott, who is likely to be paired with Ugo Ehiogu when the Teessiders continue their hectic schedule with a trip to Manchester City tomorrow.

"He'll put his head in anywhere for us and, unfortunately, he's come off worse because of his bravery.

"Other players might have shirked away from a challenge like that - Emanuel relishes it and I don't think he's ever going to change.

"That's the type of person he is and that's why he's been such an important player for us this season. He'll be missed over the next few weeks."

Pogatetz already had five stitches in a facial wound after an acrimonious clash with Bolton striker Kevin Davies last Sunday.

Thursday night's collision with midfielder Mladen Petric was less controversial but, with Pogatetz joining skipper Gareth Southgate on the sidelines, it has already proved considerably more costly.

"We knew it was a bad one straight away," added Riggott. "At first, we didn't know if he was having a fit because of the way he was rolling around.

"Some players go down easier than others. With Emanuel, you know it's something serious if he stays down on the floor like that.

"We've been told that it's a bad one and obviously nobody wants to see someone suffer like that.

"I suppose it's part and parcel of the game but it seems to be something that keeps on happening to Emanuel.

"He puts his body on the line every time he goes in for a challenge. We're there to defend and that's what we all like to do. Unfortunately, he paid the price for that."

Pogatetz' absence will be keenly felt as Boro look to keep their European hopes alive next Thursday.

A two-goal deficit would turn into a four-goal gap if the Teessiders were to concede an away goal at the Riverside, something Riggott is understandably desperate to avoid.

Steve McClaren's men have kept seven UEFA Cup clean sheets already this season and an eighth will surely be required if they are to keep a semi-final date in Bucharest.

"Other teams have come from a worse position in Europe and won," said Riggott. "Two goals is a disappointing deficit but it's not unreachable.

"Our side can score goals. If they had got a third (on Thursday) it might have been too difficult, but at least by keeping it to two we've left ourselves in with a chance. We're proud of our defensive record in Europe.

"It's not a situation we're used to. In the past, we've tended to win the first leg and defend our lead in the return.

"This is a different challenge but, if we want to progress, we're going to have to do it.

"We know it's not going to be easy but it's something we're very much up for."

The rest of the Boro squad are in an equally ebullient mood, despite the concession of two goals in three first-half minutes this week.

Winger Stewart Downing was one of the few visiting players to ask a serious question of the Basle defence and, while his impact on the left-flank was limited, the England international has seen enough chinks in the Swiss side's armour to give cause for optimism ahead of Thursday's decider.

Home wins over the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have underlined Boro's attacking ability this season, and a two-goal deficit is hardly an insurmountable obstacle for a side boasting the likes of Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka.

"We've proved ourselves at the Riverside this season," said Downing. "We've beaten three of the biggest teams in the Premiership - if we're capable of beating them, were certainly capable of beating Basle.

"It's a different kind of game because it's Europe and it's not the Premiership. But, in many ways, it's simpler because it's knock-out. We know what we have to do and it's up to us to do it. There's no middle ground now. There's no thinking about, 'Should we sit back and defend or should we go for it'. There's only one way we can play this game and we have to be positive.

"We have so many attacking players in the side that we are certainly capable of getting the two or three goals we need.

"I think we sat back a bit too much in the first leg and that allowed them to come on to us."

Middlesbrough season ticket holders have until 4pm today to claim a discount of up to £5 on tickets for Thursday's UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg.

Season ticket holders can purchase their tickets from just 20 for adults and £10 for concessions from the main Riverside ticket office, the 24-hour ticket line (08450701575) or online at mfc.co.uk. From Monday, all remaining tickets are available on general sale, priced from £24 for adults and from £15 for under-16s and over-65s.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.