MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has told fans to forget talk of a Juninho-Emerson reunion at the Riverside.

McClaren is excited by the prospect of a having a fully-fit Juninho at his disposal in the new season.

The little Brazilian was sidelined for around seven months last term after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in the United States to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury sustained in a pre-season game.

But McClaren insists powerhouse Emerson, Juninho's Samba soulmate on Teesside seven years ago, doesn't figure in his plans.

Atletico Madrid are looking to off-load the 31-year-old midfielder, whose time with Boro was blighted by his weakness for going AWOL.

"I'm not interested in Emerson,'' said McClaren, who instead hopes to secure the signing of fellow Brazilian Doriva from Celta Vigo for a nominal fee following his successful three-month loan last season.

McClaren took Doriva partly on the advice of Juninho, whose influence is sure to grow at the Riverside this season.

The 30-year-old schemer, who joined Boro for a third time last summer when he left Atletico in a £3.8m deal, emerged from his injury nightmare to end the season with three goals in ten games.

And McClaren is convinced he has a unique talent in his armoury. "It was a traumatic year for Juninho,'' said McClaren.

"But he came back quicker than we thought he would and was on such a high on his comeback in the reserves with 20,000 people here.

"At times last season, he was unplayable, then he dipped a bit towards the end of the season.

"But all I see is what he can do for this club and the team, and that is something different to anyone else.''

Having twice been denied silverware in his first spell with Boro, when they lost in both the FA and Coca-Cola Cup finals of 1997, Juninho believes he has unfinished business on the trophy front.

"I'm here to help Middlesbrough win something,'' he said. "We were very close in my first time here with two finals.

"I think it is time for Middlesbrough to become a big club and play in Europe.

"I didn't think I would be coming back here for a third time, but now I want to finish my playing career here.''

Juninho is also looking forward to locking horns with World Cup-winning teammate Ronaldinho, if the Paris St. Germain star agrees a move to Manchester United.

"He's a very skilful, technical player and he's quick, which is good if you're going to play in the Premiership,'' said Juninho.

"It would be exciting to see more Brazilians like me, Gilberto and Edu, playing in the Premiership.

"I have a good relationship with Ronaldinho, but I'm not that close to him so I don't know what he is going to do.''

* Boro's only home pre-season game will be against Serie A surprise package Chievo on Saturday, August 9 (4.00).

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