STEVE McCLAREN hopes Middlesbrough's home comforts will help them to gain the upperhand when Czech champions Banik Ostrava arrive on Teesside.

Boro are hoping a sell-out crowd will witness Boro's first UEFA Cup tie at the Riverside on Thursday following the club's superb start to the campaign.

McClaren's men have lost just one of their opening five Premiership fixtures - form that has taken them to fourth - and are yet to taste defeat in three home matches.

It is those results McClaren has been searching for in front of Boro's own supporters, having lost seven at their venue last season.

Saturday's 2-1 victory over Birmingham has again raised expectancy levels, especially with summer captures Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink finding their feet so quickly in front of goal.

And now, just two days until their encounter with Banik, McClaren wants Boro to secure the perfect start by ensuring they take a lead back to the eastern European country.

"We were a little apprehensive at home in our first couple of games," said McClaren. "I think the pressure to perform on the team was making it difficult on the players who were more nervous.

"But we were starting games well away from home and that's what we have to try to do in front of our own fans.

"We have to make the Riverside a fortress. Make it as difficult as possible for teams when they come here.

"It will be the same when Banik come. We need a strong lead to take into the away leg with us. If we do that then who knows.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game. But we need to build on our recent form and make sure we take that into Thursday.

"It won't be easy. The players are going to have to be aware right from the first whistle. It will be hard and we don't expect anything less that that."

Boro look like being without centre-back Ugo Ehiogu and midfielder Gaizka Mendieta against Banik.

Both have calf problems. In Ehiogu's case, he had a scan on the injury yesterday to try to discover the true extent of the problem.

The 31-year-old had to be replaced against Birmingham and left the ground in some discomfort on crutches. Chris Riggott should deputise again in his absence.

It is unclear whether the Riverside will be full on Thursday.

Tickets went on general sale yesterday and there are still over 10,000 remaining.

Boro spokesman Dave Allan said: "We are hoping for a big crowd. It's a historic occasion for this club and we anticipate that it will be a memorable night."

* The club are reminding fans wishing to have tickets for the away leg have until the close of business tomorrow to apply.

* Leeds have issued a statement denying they are takeover negotiations with an Iraqi billionaire.

Reports claimed that Nadhmi Auchi was preparing a bid to buy out the current administration with plans to move the club from Elland Road into a purpose-built stadium.

But a statement said: ''The club can confirm that no such negotiations to buy the club have taken place with Mr Auchi."

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