MICHAEL RICKETTS is ready to turn up the heat on under-fire Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier when he makes his Middlesbrough bow at Anfield today.

Striker Ricketts is poised to partner fellow Boro debutant Malcolm Christie as manager Steve McClaren unleashes fresh weaponry in an effort to end his side's away-goal famine.

Boro have gone a staggering 12 hours and 32 minutes without a goal on their League travels and lost their last ten away games in all competitions.

They have scored only four goals in 12 away League matches, by far the worst record in the Premiership.

Conversely, they boast the best defensive record on enemy territory, having conceded just 13 goals.

McClaren was the busiest boss in the country last Friday when the transfer window closed, completing the £3.5m signing of Ricketts from Bolton only minutes before deadline after sealing deals for Derby duo Christie and Chris Riggott.

All three are set to be pitched straight into action and Ricketts is itching to lead the charge against a Liverpool side reeling from their humiliating midweek FA Cup exit at home to First Division Crystal Palace.

Ricketts stressed: "I know we have a bad away record but the mood has been good this week - the buzz has been great.

"There are a few decent strikers here and a lot of competition but I knew that before I came. I've played at Liverpool before, I know what to expect and I'll relish the challenge.

"I've taken a step up the ladder coming here. Steve McClaren is building a squad of quality players and I want to be part of it.

"The target is the top six in the next 18 months and I see no reason why it can't be achieved. The ambition is clear to see."

McClaren, ready to range on-loan Riggott alongside fit-again skipper Gareth Southgate at the heart of defence, said: "The new boys have spiced the place up a bit.

"We needed to change things and we've been bold. We need every player to fight for a place, and this has brought competition.

"There has been an intensity in training and it brings a bit extra out of players.

"We'll be looking to see which players react to the competition. We rate attitude the number one quality.

"Ricketts and Christie have scored goals at this level, but we showed in our last win at home to Manchester United on Boxing Day that we are always capable of scoring, and it's only a matter of time before we do so again away from home.''

McClaren praised chairman Steve Gibson for loosening the purse strings to splash out a combined £6.5m on Ricketts and Christie, and land Riggott in a deal which will become permanent for a £2m fee in the summer. Brazilian international midfielder Doriva also arrived on loan from Celta Vigo, but won't figure today.

McClaren said: "Ricketts, Christie and Riggott are young players who will be here for four or five years. The chairman realised it was a good investment and all credit to him.

"When you start to achieve success you want continuity and these players will provide that.''

Boro have slipped into the bottom half of the table, and McClaren added: "We had a good start, but our away results have been very frustrating.

"We've lost seven away League games 1-0 and you think if we'd just taken the odd chance here and there we'd be in a much better position.

"We were going well until December when we got injuries to big players like George Boateng and Ugo Ehiogu, and it affected us badly. The squad is stronger and better now."

Defender Ehiogu, who suffered a punctured lung and fractured two ribs at Blackburn on New Year's Day, could start training again on Monday.

And Juninho is already back on the practice ground with his teammates after knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The Brazilian star, who rejoined Boro last summer, was injured in pre-season but is expected to be back in action before the end of the current campaign.

McClaren said: "He is joining in with the rest of the players, but just non-contact stuff. He's just about on schedule.'

Read more about Middlesbrough here.