JUNINHO last night revealed he was "very upset" to be axed from the Middlesbrough team as Steve McClaren searched for a winning formula.

The Brazil midfielder made his first Premiership start for almost two months at Villa Park on Saturday and he played a pivotal role in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win.

He felt he had a point to prove to McClaren, who has at times found it difficult to accommodate his World Cup winner's silky skills in the team.

Juninho said: "I felt very sad to be a substitute. I spoke to the manager and told him I was very upset with his decision.

"No one likes to be a sub and I'm no different, but things have settled down. I wasn't happy with how the team were playing, but we're playing better now.

"Defensively we've been very composed and we're moving away from the bottom. For me, the target is the top ten and to fight for a UEFA Cup place."

McClaren was pleased with how Juninho coped with the challenge of playing in a free role off lone striker Michael Ricketts against Aston Villa.

Central midfielders George Boateng and Doriva gave Middlesbrough a solid platform that enabled Juninho to cast his spell over Villa.

McClaren said: "In any system, you look to play to the players' strengths. Juninho had the freedom to do what he does best and I thought he did it well."

The Middlesbrough boss was full of praise for Carlo Nash, who enjoyed an assured debut in the absence of Mark Schwarzer.

The Australia goalkeeper was allowed to return to the North-East after his daughter was taken ill.

McClaren said: "Carlo was very good. He's an experienced keeper and he performed very well.

"We had a lot of injuries in the first five games of the season and we're still picking up injuries, with Joseph Job and Malcolm Christie getting hurt this week.

"It's important to have a good squad, and we've got a strong squad. If you look at our bench, we had players there that could go on and change the game.

"Juninho hadn't started any of the last six League games before this one, and we're delighted with all the signings that have come in."

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