Boro sign Vidmar

The Australian international has been on trial at Boro - after his contract witn Rangers expired - and he has done enough to secure a permanent contract with the club.

"With Gianluca leaving and with the window closing and not being able to sign players during that period, we just felt we needed a bit of back-up across the back," said McClaren.

"Tony has great experience and can play at right-back, left-back or at centre-back in a two or a three-man partnership.

"That's the kind of cover we need. It's good to see and will keep everyone on their toes.

"He's been with is about three weeks and done very, very well and we're delighted to have signed him."

With experience at the highest level in Scotland and in the Champions League, McClaren will be hopeful that Vidmar adds depth to his defence.

Vidmar signed for Rangers after playing in Holland with NAC Breda, and has been a lynchpin of the Australian side for many years.