MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has pledged to "move heaven and earth'' to bring Bolo Zenden back to the Riverside next season.

The Holland winger, whose penalty helped Boro to Carling Cup glory against Bolton, has made a huge impact during a season's loan from Chelsea.

Zenden showed his verve and versatility again on Saturday in the 2-1 home win over Manchester City when he filled in at left-back because of a defensive crisis brought about by injuries.

McClaren, also trying to tie up a permanent deal for on-loan Leeds right-back Danny Mills, said: "Bolo has been exceptional and he's got better as the season has gone on.

"He played left-back in this game and you can see how important he is to us. We'll move heaven and earth to get him here and we'll try to do that as quickly as possible. But it's up to Chelsea and Bolo - he's in the driving seat.''

Boro showed off the Carling Cup at the end of their final home game of the season - but it's history as far as acting skipper Ugo Ehiogu is concerned.

Asked if it was nice to see the trophy again, Ehiogu replied: "No, not for me.

"It's done and dusted and that was for the fans.

"It was probably our worst home performance of the season in the second half and for some reason we were hanging on after it looked to be panning out for a 5-0 win when we were 2-0 up.

"If we'd lost, it would have made parading the trophy a non-event. It was important to win the last home game.

"It's no secret that the manager is looking to strengthen and that's a key part of next season because we need additions to the squad with a UEFA Cup campaign starting. You have to keep improving.''

Centre-back Ehiogu, who has recovered from a cruciate injury which kept him out for seven months up to December, insists he is unclear about his chances of making the England squad for Euro 2004.

He said: "I'm starting to get in the groove, the sharpness is coming back and I'm feeling strong again. I don't know if I'll be in the England squad or on standby, but obviously I want to be and I'm hopeful I'll get some type of call-up.''

City boss Kevin Keegan was deeply disappointed with his side's display and defender Richard Dunne admitted: "After last week, when we thought we did really well to beat Newcastle, we let ourselves down.

"That's been the story of our season and it's just not good enough.''

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