WITH Middlesbrough just hours away from their European debut, manager Steve McClaren has called on the Teesside public to create an unforgettable atmosphere inside the Riverside Stadium.

Boro are ready to embark on their maiden UEFA Cup campaign and Banik Ostrava, the Czech Republic champions, are in the North-East as the Premiership outfit's first opponents.

Over 30,000 - not a sell out - are expected inside the venue to witness the start of Middlesbrough's ground-breaking campaign and McClaren knows exactly what it is like to be part of such occasions.

The manager was with Manchester United, as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant, when the Red Devils won the treble in 1999, culminating in Champions League glory in Barcelona.

And, as it is Middlesbrough's first quest for glory in major European competition, McClaren wants his men to hit the right notes on the pitch in a bid to ensure the club's supporters are in vibrant mood in the stands throughout the first leg.

"To be involved in Europe is fantastic for everyone connected with the club, whether that be the supporters, the coaching staff, the players or even the people working in the front office," said McClaren.

"If you are involved in big nights, and this is one of those, then they are what you are in the game for.

"I'm very excited about being the manager of this club as they go into Europe for the first time.

"I'm really looking forward to hearing the atmosphere the fans create.

"There's nothing more special than an atmosphere on a European night.

"Whenever you go away the atmosphere tends to be a little more intimidating than a normal Premiership game.

"Hopefully our fans can do the same and they can really act as a 12th man out there for us.

"When I took over at Middlesbrough I said that I wanted to get this club into Europe inside a five-year plan.

"We have done that. Now all fans, no matter who they are, should be keen to see a bit of history."

Middlesbrough, along with United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and less fancied Millwall, are the English clubs gunning for glory against the best on the continent this season.

And McClaren genuinely believes that glorious Euro nights are just around the corner for Premiership clubs again and he is convinced Middlesbrough and North-East rivals Newcastle, who play Israeli's Hapoel BNEI Sakhnin tonight, can be a part of those.

"I think this year is as good as any for English teams to start a domination," said McClaren, whose last European fixture was in his last year at Old Trafford, when United lost to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals in 2001.

"With the pedigree of Manchester United and Arsenal, and the emergence of Chelsea, we are more than capable of having a good season in the Champions League.

"It's about time we had a period of success like we did when Liverpool dominated, Nottingham Forest did and Manchester United to an extent. I just think it's about time English teams did come back.

"I don't see any reason why we can't be a part of that. Newcastle got to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup last year and they will be expecting to do the same again. But that's a long way for us both, game one is on Thursday and we have to be ready."

McClaren's squad is full of European experience. Summer signings Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka, Bolo Zenden and Ray Parlour will all play tonight and have all played Champions League football.

And the Middlesbrough boss is convinced his players are ready for the challenge when Banik, still largely an unknown quantity despite scouting missions, offer their resistance.

The England coach has also had his squad watching videos of tonight's opponents and he said: "My players will not be needing much guidance from me.

"We know the pitfalls and that's what we will be guarding against.

"Banik are a typical European team - well organised, hard-working and good technically. They will be quick on the counter attack and we know that.

"Any team that is the champion of their country are going to be a good side.

"You just need to look at how good the Czech national team are to know a team from that country are not going to be bad. They are a good side and there are no easy games in Europe."

* Tickets will be available until kick-off but fans are urged to buy well in advance to avoid queuing.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.