STEVE McCLAREN has declared that victory over Arsenal in tonight's Carling Cup semi-final second leg is vital if Middlesbrough are to stay in the hunt for the likes of Mark Viduka.

Boro insist that the Leeds striker was willing to move to the Riverside and may have done so had time been on their side.

Viduka arrived back in the country yesterday morning from his native Australia, where he had been visiting his sick father.

Boro were understood to have agreed a deal in principle with Leeds for a reported £4m fee.

But with Viduka returning only hours before the 5pm transfer deadline, and the issue clouded by the £7m Leeds are said to owe the finance company who funded his move from Celtic nearly four years ago, Boro were left frustrated.

Viduka, 28, emerged as their top target during the transfer window after they failed in a move for Liverpool's Emile Heskey.

Boro boss McClaren has been encouraged by the ambition chairman Steve Gibson has demonstrated in chasing high-calibre players.

And McClaren believes a first major trophy in the club's history - the reward for beating Arsenal is a Cardiff final with Bolton at the end of the month - and European qualification, could be the catalyst to luring more big names this summer.

McClaren agrees that, on the back of the signings of the likes of Gareth Southgate, Juninho and Gaizka Mendieta, Boro are beginning to regain a reputation forged during the Bryan Robson era for attracting star players.

"We've tried to get Heskey and Viduka but, in the latter case, time has run out,'' admitted McClaren. "I think Viduka would have been a tremendous addition.

"But the deal was complicated - it's not just a straight one with Leeds, there are variables and other parties involved like loan companies.

"Coming to an agreement with them in such a short time was just an impossibility. If we'd had another week, we would have had a better chance. The timescale was a problem, because Mark had just arrived back in England.

"But we've signed quality players before; we've had no problem getting them here. We've been very ambitious with the type of players we've been looking for and we'll do that again in the summer.

"The problem was we couldn't agree with the clubs - it never reached the stage where we had to agree things with the players.

"That gives me a lot of hope for the summer. Players do look at our defence: Schwarzer, Mills, Ehiogu, Southgate and Queudrue; and Mendieta, Boateng, Zenden, and Juninho in midfield. They can see the quality that is here and we're building on that.

"The summer now becomes very important to this club but we still have a lot to play for this season. We'd like to think we might have European football, too.

"There's a long way to go, but it really gives me heart, the ambition the club has shown.''

McClaren's priority now is ensuring Boro hold on to the lead they established against Arsenal courtesy of a solitary Juninho goal in the first leg at Highbury a fortnight ago.

The second leg was called off last Wednesday because of snow, and Boro may come to regret it. McClaren stressed that skipper Southgate and central defensive partner Ugo Ehiogu would have been fit to play then after hamstring and groin injuries.

But yesterday he revealed that Ehiogu is doubtful after suffering a reaction, while Southgate is giving some concern following his comeback in Saturday's 3-0 win at Leeds.

Juninho will again be the focus of Boro's ambitions, and McClaren credits the Brazilian with being the inspiration behind his side's sudden goal rush.

"I think he's had a fantastic month,'' said McClaren. "He's been outstanding; he's been our main supplier and he's been a finisher.

"After the first five games, he was out of the starting line-up for half a dozen matches, but he came back in and provided us with a spark.

"He's a proud fella and he was affected by being out, and he was left out a couple of times again.

"But we scored 13 goals in seven games in January and one of the main reasons for that was Juninho. He's not just created goals, he's scored a couple as well. The likes of Job, Maccarone and Ricketts have benefited from his form.''

McClaren expects Southgate to be fit, but said: "We're hoping he doesn't get a reaction from Saturday. He came through a light training session, so he should be OK. Ugo is the main doubt.

"But Chris Riggott has performed magnificently lately - it hasn't mattered which partner he has had with him at the back.''

The Gunners' new £17m Spanish signing, forward Jose Antonio Reyes, made his debut as a substitute in Sunday's 2-1 home win over Manchester City and is eligible tonight.

McClaren said: "He looked a bit baffled by the weathery - but I'm sure it rains in Spain! If he plays, we know he will be a big threat.

"People talk about Arsenal's kids, but there is some experience in that second XI with the likes of Toure, Lauren, Cygan, Keown, Parlour - and I know Vieira will be playing.

"We have a slight advantage, but it's 0-0 as far as we're concerned. The first goal is very important and, if we get it, we have a very good chance.''

* Last night's reserve game at West Brom was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

* Former Boro captain Ronnie Dicks has died aged 79. A one-club man, Dicks played 334 League and cup games for Boro during a 15-year period between 1943 and 1958.

Dicks, who lived in Acklam, passed away at James Cook University Hospital on Friday night after a long illness.

Dicks was nicknamed 'The Handyman of Ayresome Park' by then Boro manager David Jack. He played in every position including, on one occasion, goalkeeper.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.