Forlan in Boro tribute

Villarreal's Diego Forlan has hailed Middlesbrough's progress in recent times.

Speaking ahead of Thursday night's Uefa Cup clash between the sides, the former Manchester United striker insisted Steve McClaren's outfit had now proved themselves as a top Premiership side.

The Uruguayan was a target for the Teessiders before opting to move to Old Trafford in January 2002 and revealed he was impressed by what he had seen of the North East club prior to his transfer to United.

After an unconvincing spell in The Premiership he has now settled in Spain and believes he has joined a club with many similarities to Boro.

"There were conversations with Middlesbrough and we were close to a deal but then Manchester United came in," Forlan explained to skysports.com.

"I liked what I saw of Middlesbrough - the town, the club, everything. It's just that when a club like United make an offer it is impossible to turn them down.

"I think the clubs (Middlesbrough and Villarreal) are quite similar.

"They've both got a lot stronger over the last two years and consolidated their position as top teams in their leagues.

"It will be a hard game for us because we have players out and they are on form after beating Liverpool at the weekend, but we are confident."

The Uruguayan is one of the players who will not be available to face Middlesbrough as he has already appeared for Manchester United in European competition this season - a two-minute cameo in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Bucharest.

The 25-year-old is frustrated he will have to watch from the stands, but bears no grudge against United either for that appearance or his ultimately rushed departure from Old Trafford.

"At the end of the day I was there to play," he continued.

"Although I knew I would most likely be leaving, I wanted to wait until the last second.

"My priority was still to play for Manchester United. It was in my interests to play those two minutes at the time and I don't regret it."

Already with four goals to his name, Forlan has adapted quickly to life in Spain and has forged a close understanding with a number of Villarreal's South American contingent - especially Argentine schemer Juan Roman Riquelme.

The ex-Independiente forward admits he now feels relaxed in Spain, but hinted he still retained a soft spot for Manchester.

"I wouldn't say I am happier here than at Manchester United, but I am happy," he added.

"There is a good relationship here between the players and I feel comfortable. I like the style of play here at Villarreal and I'm linking up well with Riquelme.

"To be honest, I am happy pretty much anywhere as long as I am playing football."