STEVE McCLAREN last night predicted Middlesbrough will be gunning for European football next season.

Eleventh-placed Boro's current campaign is on the verge of fizzling out with just two games remaining after today's visit to lowly Birmingham City.

But McClaren, who is keen for his players to achieve the club's highest ever top-flight points total of 53, admits he already has eyes on August's Premiership restart.

And the Riverside chief even hinted that he believes a busy and successful summer in the transfer market could see his side push for a highly-sought-after Champions League place.

"We've progressed this season in the way we have played our football," said McClaren, whose side could still qualify for the UEFA Cup through the Fair Play League. "We know where we need to improve.

"We believe if we improve the process, improve on the areas we have already got and maintain what we have achieved this season, then we would like to be up there challenging for a European place.

"A Champions League place? A lot depends on what happens in the summer and what developments are made during that time.

"We want to finish this season well but a lot depends on next season, which is going to be a big one for this club."

McClaren's priority in the transfer market remains Cameroon star Geremi, who misses today's trip to St Andrews with ankle ligament trouble.

The African midfielder has been a huge success on Teesside during his season-long loan spell and the Boro boss is desperate to secure the player's services on a permanent basis.

Boro have lost both of their matches - to Arsenal and West Ham United - while Geremi has been sidelined and McClaren believes that proves the quality the Real Madrid man possesses.

But the Boro manager admits they are still no further forward in their bid to persuade the Spanish giants to reduce their £9m asking price after negotiations broke down this week.

"You see when your big players are out exactly what you do miss, just like we would miss Southgate, Ehiogu or Boateng," said McClaren.

"Sorting Geremi's situation out is one of a series of situations but it's high on the agenda because he's already here.

"A lot depends on whether we sign him or not. We've had talks with Real but didn't get anywhere, we have hit a bit of a stalemate.

"We want him and it's no secret we want to make that happen."

McClaren is a big fan of Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, who has been tipped to make the short trip south on the A19 in the summer.

But the Boro boss would not confirm his interest in the former England front-man, although he indicated he is always searching to boost his squad.

"Phillips is a good player but that's just speculation at the moment," said McClaren, who is likely to face competition from Tottenham and newly-promoted Portsmouth. "We are always looking to improve the squad and the team.

"Every club in the Premier League, the Nationwide League and the Conference will be looking to strengthen and we are no different."

Meanwhile, McClaren praised Birmingham boss Steve Bruce last night for ensuring the Midlands club enjoyed a relatively successful first season back in the top-flight.

Bruce, a former Manchester United centre-back, has virtually assured the Blues of top-flight football next year with three games to go.

McClaren said: "It's always tough the first season, as I have experienced. Steve Bruce has done very well.

"I think most people had them down for the drop but I've seen them a few times this season and I am not surprised that they are getting out of it with three games to go."

* There will be tickets available on the turnstiles for Boro fans for today's clash at St Andrews.

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