THREE weeks ago, as Middlesbrough jetted off on their travels to the Czech Republic, Tony McMahon and James Morrison could have been two young supporters of the club hanging around the airport for autographs.

The two 18-year-olds were, of course, part of Steve McClaren's squad as they embarked on the club's first European adventure. Morrison scored the late, equalising goal on the night against Banik Ostrava and played alongside McMahon on the right flank together in the draw at Old Trafford on their return.

Twenty-one days after that September morning, the pair have suddenly became household names - hence the reason why they were not overlooked by onlookers at the Durham Tees-Valley check-in desk this time as they prepared for the trip here to Greece.

After making Bolo Zenden stop for a picture, then Ray Parlour, one excited Boro supporter approached FA Youth Cup winning captain McMahon. "Tony can I have a pic taken with you mate," he quipped. "Yeah no bother, no bother at all," said McMahon, from Evenwood. Uttered just as any other experienced pro would have.

ONE player who may not have been as willing to stand and be snapped was Mark Viduka. Happy to be back in the squad after injury, yet not so happy with his journey from his North Yorkshire home to the airport.

His expensive motor developed a puncture on the way, leaving him a little frustrated with life after being back in the first team fold. "It's not been the best of mornings," he said.

Viduka didn't have time to change the tyre, so he could have a rather anxious time in the airport car park when he arrives back on Teesside in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Possibly not, on second thoughts. Bearing in mind footballers have their passports lined up for them on arrival at the airport, it's easy to imagine he'll have someone working on his car while he's away.

THE Athens Hotel Imperial is where the press were stationed last night, an establishment that has felt the full benefits of the Olympic Games being held in the historical city during the summer.

The Imperial, surrounded by worn out buildings and an appealing Greek restaurant, was only built last year and its luxurious and modern comfort has proven a big hit since.

Our home for the trip is just one example of what hosting the Olympics has done for Athens.

The bus route from the new airport to the hotel was littered with signs of improvement, with roads and plush new venues, including the Olympic Stadium, there to see. No sign of the temples of the Acropolis though!

McClaren has flown the club's own chef, Howard Archer, here to cook for the squad to make sure they are well prepared.

It is an attempt to make sure the players are focused on the task in hand - maybe that was the reason why everyone on the First Choice airbus was given the highlights of the 4-0 win over Blackburn on Sunday to watch.

Confidence is a wonderful thing.