McClaren's short term target is to guide Boro into Europe

With all the furore surrounding Sven Goran Eriksson and his future at the FA, both Steve McClaren and Alan Curbishley are among the names tipped to succeed the Swede, should he get the sack.

McClaren has reportedly told his Middlesbrough players that succeeding Eriksson as England coach is not on his immediate agenda, and he plans to stay at the Riverside and guide Boro into Europe next season.

However, McClaren told leaguemanagers.com that managing at the top level is something he aims to do in the future.

"I remember going into coaching and saying that I wanted to be the best coach that I could possibly be. As I was developing I thought I want to be the best coach in England, and I was fortunate that I coached England, and I got there.

"I suppose in management, I want to be the best manager that there has been. I want to be the best manager that I could possibly be, and if that leads to the top then so be it.

"If not, then at least I am the best at what I can be, it stood me in good stead and I am sure it will in the future."