SLOVAKIA striker Szilard Nemeth welcomed UEFA's decision not to play next month's international at the Riverside behind closed doors - but then called on European football's governing body to treat all its member nations the same.

The Boro star was on target in the Teessiders 5-1 win at home to Spurs on Saturday which followed his international double in the 2-2 draw against Greece in Bratislava.

Nemeth is an almost certain starter in the Euro 2004 qualifier between England and Slovakia on what he sees as his 'home ground' on June 11, and admitted his relief that the Teesside public will be able to see their first England international for 66 years.

"Of course it's pleasing that the fans will be allowed in," he said. "I think it would be very bad playing in a stadium without fans. This stadium is too big for that. It will be good to come here and play in front of 35,000 people. For me this is my home stadium.

"But I think it should be the same for England as it is for us."

Last week the FA escaped with a £68,000 fine from UEFA after pitch invasions and racist chanting marred the 2-0 win over Turkey at the Stadium of Light.

But the decision smacked of double standards after Slovakia had to play their qualifier with Liechtenstein behind closed doors in March after England players were racially abused in Bratislava last October.

Nemeth added: "No I'm not surprised that we were treated differently. I was thinking that before UEFA decided.

"I knew England were doing everything to avoid the ban. I think it could have been a stiffer penalty. I don't think it's fair because I think in England there was bigger trouble. There was fighting and trouble and they ran on the pitch two times.

"It's not fair on Slovakia but then we are a small country.

"But it is not my problem whatever UEFA decide. I am happy with the decision because I think it is good for both teams.

"It's normal to favour the bigger teams. It would be fairer if UEFA treat the smaller countries the same."

Nemeth was on the scoresheet in the corresponding fixture in Bratislava, and appears to run into goalscoring form, for club and country, in the build up to the game.

But he has been in and out of the Boro side this term, and following the signings of Malcom Christie and Michael Ricketts, found himself fourth-choice striker. "I want to start every match but that's a question for the manager," said Nemeth, who hit his seventh goal of the campaign against Spurs. "Many times I didn't understand why I didn't start. I didn't really speak to him (McClaren) because it was difficult to speak to him.

"He has his thoughts and I have mine. It was very difficult for me because I think I have been in good form this season.

"I think if I had played more games then I would have scored more goals. I do want to stay next season. I have three more years on my contract and I am happy here."