A DELIGHTED Steve McClaren labelled Middlesbrough's win over Norwich among the club's 'biggest of the season' as the Teessiders ensured they go into 2005 in fifth spot in the Premiership.

Two Joseph Job goals in the space of 90 second half seconds were enough for McClaren's side in front of a record Riverside attendance - beating the previous best recorded against Newcastle in March 2003.

McClaren is well aware that a Champions League spot is up for grabs, but with injuries beginning to take their toll at least two new faces are expected at the Riverside during the transfer window.

The Boro boss, however, is not looking to strengthen in attack and sees other areas of his squad in greater need.

"I think we third top scorers in the Premier League and I don't think that's an area we need to be looking at," said McClaren after watching Job grab a brace in the space of two minutes.

"We're very happy with what we've got. Malcolm Christie is back in training, which is a boost, and it's other departments where we are a bit short."

The importance of getting back on track after the disappointment of the Boxing Day defeat at Birmingham added extra significance to the game, according to the boss.

McClaren said: "This was the biggest game we've had so far this season in terms of bouncing back after Birmingham, and also finishing the year on a high.

"It was a big win. We've got two very tough games coming up (Manchester United and Chelsea) and we can now look forward to welcoming Man United.

"We've achieved nothing yet so far this season, and we don't want to fall away. That's why today was such a big game for us.

"I'm not looking at what other clubs are doing yet. Week in, week out we set our standards but it's what we do. It's only with five or six games to go that we start looking at what other clubs are doing."

The Boro boss was fulsome in his praise for Job's performance and his goals.

The striker has been vocal in recent weeks about his lack of opportunities, but he showed just why his manager still rates him highly.

McClaren said: "It was a big game for Joseph Job - he' not had many opportunities. He's always done well when called upon.

"Today he got his opportunity. The pressure was on him and he delivered and it just shows how important Joseph is."

The defeat sends Nigel Worthington's side into the bottom three and the Norwich manager was far from impressed with their second half performance.

Worthington said: "We switched off for the free-kick and got punished. We have to concentrate for 90 minutes and not 88. We switched off twice and they scored two goals.''

Read more about Middlesbrough here.