MIDDLESBROUGH new boy Boudewijn Zenden faces the axe for Holland's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier with the Czech Republic in Prague tomorrow night.

Zenden, set to make his Boro debut at Bolton on Saturday, was hauled off at half-time after a disappointing performance and replaced by Marc Overmars as the Dutch beat Austria 3-1 in Rotterdam.

The 27-year-old winger, who has joined Boro on a season-long deal, operated at left wing-back but failed to impress coach Dick Advocaat and Dutch commentators.

One told Northern Echo SPORT: "Zenden did not play very well. He never took any initiative.''

Philip Cocu, among the scorers, switched from midfield to wing-back when Zenden came off and is likely to continue in that role.

Zenden's only hope of a reprieve is if Edgar Davids fails to shake off a thigh injury, and Boro's loan signing is pressed into midfield duties.

Meanwhile, Boro centre-back Chris Riggott continues his recovery from a back injury in the Reserves' home game against Liverpool tonight.

Striker Michael Ricketts, similarly striving for full fitness, is also likely to play along with Brazilian midfielder Doriva.

New Reserve coach Mark Proctor has led Boro's second string on three straight wins in the FA Premier Reserve League since succeeding Steve Round in the summer.

* Coventry insist they haven't agreed a two-year deal with former Boro striker Fabrizio Ravanelli.

The 34-year-old Italian, seeking a club in England after being released by Derby at the end of last season, has trained with the Sky Blues and agent Gianni Paladini claimed a deal had been struck.

But a Coventry spokesman said: "It is absolutely untrue to say a deal has been agreed.''

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