STEVE McCLAREN insists that Paul Ince can still have a future at Middlesbrough.

Many observers believe skipper Ince is destined to leave on a Bosman free when his contract runs out this summer.

The fact that formal discussions over a new deal have yet to begin, two months after they were due to start, has heightened speculation that Ince could be on the move three years after Bryan Robson lured him from Liverpool for £1m.

It is understood a potential sticking point is Boro's reluctance to hand Ince the two-year deal he wants.

The former England midfielder is 35 in October and Boro believe a one-year deal is more practical for both parties.

Ince insists there is nothing sinister in the delay in talks. He said: "Because of the sheer number of games, we haven't had time to discuss my future.''

McClaren maintained: "Don't assume anything. As I've said, we'll get round to discussing things when we're all ready.''

With only six points separating them from the bottom three, Boro's priority is Premiership survival.

McClaren has the distraction of an FA Cup quarter-final visit by Everton a week on Sunday.

But first comes tomorrow's must-win home clash with bottom club Leicester.

McClaren said: "Our first target this season is safety - anything else is a bonus.

"We've consolidated, trimmed staff, trimmed the wage bill, tried to bring down the average age of the squad and the team.

"In the summer, maybe we can speculate so that we can be as tough to beat next season, but play more attractive and more open football."

McClaren has called on the Riverside faithful to roar their side to safety in the six remaining home League games, starting tomorrow.

The Riverside has become something of a fortress - the defeat by Manchester United on December 15 was Boro's only home setback in the past five months.

McClaren said: "Sometimes the atmosphere has been tremendous. We need that more often and at every stage of the game, to bring the players through rough patches and help us win.

"Emotion is a big part of football. I'm very emotional inside; I might look calm but inside I've always been throwing water bottles.

"If we win on Saturday, we can see the target ahead of us.

"We need the crowd behind us, the players playing as they have been and the rub of the green. It's a massive game and we need to win it."

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