ROY HODGSON insists Brian McBride must not be hailed as Fulham's potential saviour, with the big American striker set to return to lead the attack at Middlesbrough today - where the relegation-threatened Cottagers will seek to lay their ghosts to rest' with a long-overdue away win.

It has been a lengthy road back to fitness for McBride, 35, following six months out after suffering a serious knee injury when ironically scoring against Boro in August.

Following an appearance off the bench in last weekend's win over Aston Villa - which dragged Fulham to within three points of safety - McBride could well be thrown straight into the thick of the action at the Riverside Stadium.

However, Hodgson has warned against being too dependant on the likes of the United States frontman and Jimmy Bullard, also back in the side following a long spell on the sidelines and who netted a late winner with a superb free-kick last weekend.

Brian's cameo performance for the last 20 minutes against Villa was very good,'' said Hodgson, who will take Fulham to the North-East looking for a first Premier League away win since September 2006.

However, what we have got to be careful of is that we do not put too much pressure on Brian, and also Jimmy Bullard, by glamorising their returns.

They are players the crowd have really taken too, recent greats if you like.

Everyone went down when Fulham lost them, and having them back is a great boost.

But we must not believe that we will now have a much easier task because we have got them back.

However, they are two great additions and will certainly make us better.'' Hodgson maintained: We must not put the responsibility for relegation or the retention of Premier League status on those two players.

They have got to do their job and if they are in a good team, then I am certain it will be easier for them to play their part."