MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has voiced his amazement that the burgeoning teenage talent of Tony McMahon has not received its rewards on the international scene.

McMahon's outstanding form at right-back has meant Boro have been able to cope in the absence of Holland star Michael Reiziger - who has not played since the second game of the season at Arsenal.

And the 18-year-old's startling performances at Premiership level have led to many touting him for an England Under-21s call-up.

But McClaren, a coach for Sven Goran Eriksson's seniors team, has been left wondering how McMahon, from Evenwood, has been overlooked by the Under-19s squad.

Fellow Middlesbrough youngsters James Morrison, Matthew Bates and Andrew Taylor, before he was ruled out by serious injury, have had their chances.

But McMahon, despite being one of the few at the level to be playing regular first team football, has not been able to force his way into the reckoning.

McClaren, aware that his side are yet to lose in the nine appearances the defender has played, is in the process of sorting out a new contract with the player.

And the manager said: "There should be strong talk about him being in the Under-21s and he could go even further.

"But he's only 18. It's quite amazing because he can't even get in the Under-19s team. In fact he can't even get in the squad. That does surprise me and I suppose it means we can't really talk about him playing for the Under-21s. But he's been fantastic for us. With both Reiziger and Stuart Parnaby out injured Tony has come in and been superb."

McClaren is keen to adopt the cautious approach with his young players and winger Stewart Downing has been taken out of the media spotlight on a number occasions.

Downing once again had a major say on proceedings at the Riverside Stadium and it was his cross that allowed Chris Riggott to put Middlesbrough into the lead.

And McClaren, whose side are unbeaten in seven league games, said: "The whole team is playing well, Downing continues to do well.

"Kids like that don't need to get the exposure. They have to just keep playing football and he still has a long way to go. He's been outstanding and everyone's talking about him as the answer to all England's problems. But what impresses me is his attitude. I don't want hold him back."

During the summer, McClaren had claimed a top six place was a priority this season.

And, despite occupying fourth and the final Champions League place, McClaren insists he is not changing his targets just yet.

"I would take sixth spot now because that's where we have always aimed for," he said. "But we have to look at the situation in February.

"That's when we will see where this team can finish. If you are in contention in the final third of the campaign then you are doing well."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.