Juninho ruled out after injury blow

Middlesbrough have been dealt a massive blow by the news that Juninho could be out for months with a cruciate ligament injury.

The 29-year-old Brazilian damaged his left knee in Saturday's friendly with Italian side Modena in Mantova. Boro are not putting a timescale on his recovery, but manager Steve McClaren said: 'Juninho will see a specialist in the near future, after which we'll have a clearer idea about the extent of the injury.

'It's a huge blow not only for the club and the supporters, but for the little man himself.

'After all the excitement of his return to the club and his performance against Alaves last week, this has brought us all back down to earth with a bump. It's a setback, but we must show our resolve. We will need club, players and fans to pull together.' The South American represents around £4million of the club's £19m summer spending.

The news tarnished confirmation from McClaren that he has decided to stay on as Sven-Goran Eriksson's right-hand man at England.

Eriksson said: 'I'm delighted that Steve has re-affirmed his commitment to England. He is a highly talented coach and one with whom both I and the players enjoy working very much.'