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McClaren: Seagulls can hurt us
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren says he does not regard the Carling Cup as a "nuisance" competition as his side prepare to face Brighton.
The former number two at Old Trafford will play a strong team against the Seagulls and does not underestimate the Division Two side.
McClaren, whose Boro team beat Everton in the Premiership on Sunday, said: "We want to do well in the tournament. I'll play a strong team with every chance of beating Brighton.
"We must show the same attitude as we showed against Everton and make sure we progress.
"I don't subscribe to the view that the Carling Cup is a nuisance competition.
"The circumstances were unfortunate last season when we played a weakened team and were knocked out at Ipswich.
"It was a relief to beat Everton last Sunday after losing our first five games. We now need to hit on a run. Nothing breeds confidence more than good results.
"When you play a lower-division team, there's always the chance of an upset so we must guard against that. We must approach the game in a professional manner.
"Steve Coppell will have his side well organised and disciplined. I don't really know Steve but he's had fantastic experience at every level of the game."
Juninho was a high-profile casualty against Everton and the World Cup winner could again be on the substitutes' bench.
The Brazilian is a crowd favourite on Teesside - but he is not guaranteed an automatic place, as McClaren explained.
He added: "Like a lot of players, Juninho was disappointed at being left out of the side. But he has reacted well.
"I've told all the players that they need to work hard for their opportunity. I still feel there's a lot more to come from this team."
McClaren refused to be drawn on his team selection but promised "as few changes as possible".
Frenchman Franck Queudrue hopes for an extended run in the team after his first appearance of the season against Everton.
The former Lens player said: "Keeping a clean sheet was important.
"We have to be known as 'clean sheet Middlesbrough' again because that's what we have based our success on."
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren says he does not regard the Carling Cup as a "nuisance" competition as his side prepare to face Brighton.
The former number two at Old Trafford will play a strong team against the Seagulls and does not underestimate the Division Two side.
McClaren, whose Boro team beat Everton in the Premiership on Sunday, said: "We want to do well in the tournament. I'll play a strong team with every chance of beating Brighton.
"We must show the same attitude as we showed against Everton and make sure we progress.
"I don't subscribe to the view that the Carling Cup is a nuisance competition.
"The circumstances were unfortunate last season when we played a weakened team and were knocked out at Ipswich.
"It was a relief to beat Everton last Sunday after losing our first five games. We now need to hit on a run. Nothing breeds confidence more than good results.
"When you play a lower-division team, there's always the chance of an upset so we must guard against that. We must approach the game in a professional manner.
"Steve Coppell will have his side well organised and disciplined. I don't really know Steve but he's had fantastic experience at every level of the game."
Juninho was a high-profile casualty against Everton and the World Cup winner could again be on the substitutes' bench.
The Brazilian is a crowd favourite on Teesside - but he is not guaranteed an automatic place, as McClaren explained.
He added: "Like a lot of players, Juninho was disappointed at being left out of the side. But he has reacted well.
"I've told all the players that they need to work hard for their opportunity. I still feel there's a lot more to come from this team."
McClaren refused to be drawn on his team selection but promised "as few changes as possible".
Frenchman Franck Queudrue hopes for an extended run in the team after his first appearance of the season against Everton.
The former Lens player said: "Keeping a clean sheet was important.
"We have to be known as 'clean sheet Middlesbrough' again because that's what we have based our success on."
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