Graz AK v Middlesbrough: Security personnel examining the Middlesbrough players' luggage as they left Durham Tees Valley airport yesterday might have been surprised to note that each bag contained at least one pair of tights.

Such leg-wear is, however, common at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium at this time of year and could be just what Steve McClaren's side need when they kick-off against Graz AK tonight.

With snow predicted and the temperature in Graz forecast as low as -14 degrees Celsius the first leg of the first knockout stage of the UEFA Cup may prove one of the coldest games several of Middlesbrough's players have experienced.

Austrian football has just resumed after its winter break and Chris Riggott joked: "We might even see Joseph Job (a Cameroon international and the most fashion-conscious Boro player) in tights tomorrow. I had to remind him to pack a warm pair."

Bolo Zenden, who, like Ray Parlour, returns to the Middlesbrough midfield after suspension, said: "They will be more used to the conditions but it is their first game back after the winter break, so we don't know what to expect."

Middlesbrough's image was revamped by last season's League Cup win; securing the second trophy of the club's history in their maiden European campaign would enhance the glamming-up process. McClaren's attempt to reach the last 16 and earn a meeting with Sporting Lisbon or Ruud Gullit's Feyenoord has even been helped by Liverpool and Rangers.

Liverpool narrowly defeated the Austrian champions in the Champions League qualifying round and Rangers lost to them in the group stage of this competition. "Liverpool and Rangers have given us videos and scouting reports," said McClaren, whose side topped their qualifying group after conceding just three goals.

"You would say we are favourites but Graz are no mugs; it won't be easy. They're well organised with a good work ethic.

"We don't know whether their winter break will work for or against them but we've an experienced bunch of players who expect to win. Europe may be something new for this club and the supporters but a lot of our players are used to it; no one will underestimate us.

"The ambition is to get into Europe season after season - because the players like it, the club likes it, the chairman likes it and the supporters like it. European nights are different, so that is the target for us in the Premier League this season - to make sure that come next season we are in Europe in some way, shape or form."

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2, probable): Schwarzer; Reiziger, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue; Morrison, Parlour, Zenden, Downing; Hasselbaink, Job.