STEVE McCLAREN was in no mood to get carried away after watching his side book a place in the last 32 of the UEFA cup on Thursday, immediately turning his attention to domestic duties, writes PAUL FRASER.

Boro, albeit by just one place, still occupy a position in the lower half of the Premiership table, not good enough for a club who finished seventh last season and won the Carling Cup a year earlier.

Victory over West Brom tomorrow at the Riverside Stadium could propel McClaren's side up to as high as sixth and that is something on the whole squad's wish-list.

Boro have lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions, scored seven in their last two home games and are beginning to look like a side hitting top form.

However, failure to overcome the Baggies tomorrow - and end a 12-month wait for back-to-back league wins in the process - could be a serious blow to the increasing confidence within the camp.

McClaren, whose side did a professional job in claiming a vital point against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night, said: "I always say the next game is the most important and that's exactly how we have to view Sunday's game.

"Thursday night was a fantastic team performance but we have to make sure we follow that up with another on Sunday. It's important that we keep on track in the league after last week's win over Fulham, otherwise all the good work from that game will have been undone."

Meanwhile, George Boateng has backed the club's decision to hand McClaren a new four-year deal.

Boateng, who is in talks with the club over extending his own stay on Teesside, has already turned down one offer from the Boro board.

But the Dutchman's latest comments suggest that he could be willing to follow his manager's lead and commit to the club.

"I'm delighted to hear Steve McClaren has signed a new contract," said Boateng, who was hoping to shake off a knock picked up against AZ in time to face the Baggies tomorrow.

"He was the man that brought me to the club and under him we are continuing to progress, he is the key. I feel his job is only half done.

"We can become regulars in the top six and, with a couple of extra players, there's no reason he can't turn us into a Champions league side."

* Striker Danny Graham has joined Derby until the end of the year on loan.