NO JUNINHO RIFT FOR ROBBO

Robson had substituted the player during Boro`s 0-0 draw with Wimbledon - a decision that was greeted by surprise by the player and boos from the Riverside Stadium faithful.

However Robson denied that Juninho had fallen out of favour saying: "We`ve talked since the game and I`ve explained why he was taken off. He`s okay about it, there`s no problem."

The former Manchester United star feels his decision to substitute the diminuitive midfielder was vindicated - despite the reaction of a section of fans adding: "I feel I`ve been proved right. Wimbledon were giving us problems and made five chances in the first half but not one after the substitution.

"These fans pay good money and deserve their opinion but I was still right."

Juninho, still on loan at the club until a final decision is made on any transfer at the end of the season, is likely to keep his starting berth in Boro`s next fixture against struggling Bradford City with Robson saying: "Juninho will start the game. I feel he`s done pretty well for us since he came here."