STARS of Middlesbrough's past have united to help raise the excitement ahead of tonight's ground-breaking UEFA Cup tie against Banik Ostrava.

With Boro's European debut rapidly approaching, three former heroes have given their backing to Steve McClaren's men's cause.

Legendary striker Bernie Slaven, now a pundit with Century FM, can't wait for Middlesbrough's European bow but he is urging the club's supporters to turn out in force, with thousands of tickets still available for the first-round first leg.

"It means everything to the club," said Slaven, scorer of 146 goals in eight years at Boro.

"It's the first time in the club's 128-year history that they have played in Europe and it's fantastic.

"But I hear it may not be a full house and I can't believe it, I honestly can't believe it.

"The fans should be hanging from the rooftops, packed to the rafters. It's incredible to think it might not be a sell-out.

"The fact that it's Ostrava and not a Bayern Munich, a Barcelona or a Manchester United is obviously playing its part.

"But I'm sure Ostrava will be a good team, although I don't see any reason why Middlesbrough can't progress because they now have the players capable of matching most teams."

A teammate of Slaven in the late 1980s, Paul Kerr, also paid tribute to the current squad, who booked their place in the UEFA Cup with Carling Cup success in February.

Kerr, originally from Portsmouth, said: "As a southerner I have been blowing the trumpet of Teesside for a number of years to my mates.

"Unfortunately none of them have been up see it for themselves.

"But playing in Europe will help raise the town's profile. Middlesbrough's brand name will get bigger and that will help them to develop if they get into Europe every year.

"Middlesbrough need to get over the first hurdle, Banik Ostrava. If they don't it could be a massive financial blow.

"The outlay on new players, particularly wages, during the summer was huge and that was done with Europe in mind."

Darlington boss David Hodgson, who made 116 appearances during the Ayresome Park days between 1978-81, also revealed his delight at Middlesbrough's progress.

But Hodgson hopes it will work to his advantage.

"If they are successful, then perhaps they might let us have young striker Danny Graham!" he joked.

"It should be a great night for the club but they must not take anything for granted because these teams are mugs.

"I've seen many of the so-called bigger clubs fall at the first hurdle before so I don't think Ostrava are to be taken lightly.

"It's fantastic for the fans, who have never had anything like this before, and hopefully Boro will make the most out of it and do well in the competition."

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