MIDDLESBROUGH'S festive programme has been rocked by news that George Boateng is likely to miss two months of first-team action with ankle ligament damage.

The influential Dutch midfielder sustained the injury during Boro's Carling Cup quarter-final defeat to Blackburn on Wednesday.

It is the second time in consecutive seasons Boateng has been struck down by a serious injury.

He broke his toe against his old club Aston Villa last December and missed three months of the campaign, which coincided with a slump in the club's fortunes.

The Teessiders managed to win only two Premiership fixtures in 18 during Boateng's absence. But, his return at Crystal Palace 12 weeks later revealed his true importance to Steve McClaren's side.

Boro gave one of their most convincing performances of the season in a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park and suffered only one defeat in the club's last seven fixtures to secure a UEFA Cup slot.

Manager McClaren says his £5m signing has been pivotal to the Boro renaissance since he made the switch to the Riverside three years ago but admits they'll have to make do and mend without him.

"We saw what a miss he was last season. It is a huge blow for us especially with our midfield decimated by injury," said McClaren, who is also without Stewart Downing and Ray Parlour for Blackburn's visit on Boxing Day.

"George is one of the first names on my team sheet and is one of the best signings I have made for the club, not just on the field but off it too. He's a bubbly character and he makes us a better team. But we now need people to step forward when given the opportunity.

"He'll be missed like he was last year but we've just got to get on with it."

Boateng confessed to being devastated at suffering from yet another long-term injury.

"I tore two ligaments in my left ankle and that is not good news for me or the team," he said.

"I can't describe how disappointed I am with so many important games to play. It happened in a challenge with Paul Dickov. My leg got stuck between his leg and he put his weight on mine. I wanted to get up quickly because I knew the situation my leg was in was not good. But I didn't get the chance to get out and he put more weight on my leg causing my two ligaments to tear."

Meanwhile, Boro target Christian Poulsen has rejected a move to Teesside.

McClaren was keen to sign the Schalke midfielder during the January transfer window but it is believed he favours a move to La Liga.

"Christian Poulsen has received an offer from Middlesbrough.," said his agent Jorn Bonnesen. "But, after some considerations, he has chosen to reject it."

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