MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has pinned his hopes on Alan Wright proving he can solve the club's left-back problem.

First-choice Franck Queudrue is ruled out for the first five games of the new Premiership season through suspension and young deputy David Murphy is missing for two months with a foot injury.

And now Wright, available on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa, has finally arrived for a trial at Middlesbrough after initially snubbing the club in favour of the chance to sign for Glasgow Rangers.

Last week Northern Echo SPORT revealed that Wright had been on his way to Teesside until learning of a chance to earn a contract at the Scottish champions.

But, after spending a few days with Alex McLeish's men on a pre-season tour of Germany, Wright left early citing personal reasons for his departure.

And now the 31-year-old former Blackburn Rovers star has flown out with Boro to their summer training camp in Marpafut, near Marbella in Spain.

McClaren hopes to sign a new full-back before the start of the new campaign, and he said: "We've invited Alan to join us for a week training with us in Spain.

"It's a good opportunity for Alan to look at us and for us to have a look at Alan."

The base Boro have arrived at has been used in the past by a long line of successful sides - including former European champions Bayern Munich.

And McClaren is convinced the players' time away from Rockliffe Park will be perfect preparation for Boro's first friendly at Hull on Saturday.

"I've been there before and it has excellent facilities," said the Boro chief. "The trip is a good way to get the squad together in a different environment."

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