FABIO ROCHEMBACK was today challenged to repeat his Chelsea heroics and the form that made him a star of last season's UEFA Cup when he makes his European bow for Boro tonight.

The Brazilian star has made a patchy start to his career in England but manager Steve McClaren is hoping Saturday's wonder show against the champions will prove a turning point.

"He's probably suffered from playing in the Premier League for us and then being left behind when we've been involved in European games," said McClaren.

"Against Coventry he showed signs of what he's capable of and against Chelsea I thought he was Man of the Match. It's a great boost that we've now got him in Europe."

Rochemback was ineligible after playing for Sporting Lisbon in a Champions League game earlier this season, but  Boro successfully applied to be allowed to use him from the UEFA Cup Round of 32 onwards.

The 23-year-old visibly grew in self-belief after his early opener at the Riverside on Saturday. After that every pass, dummy and outrageous flick came off.

"This game is all about confidence," said McClaren. "With Rocky scoring that first goal it really boosted his confidence and the team's too. Now I'm expecting him and the team to produce more performances like that."

Tonight's game against VfB Stuttgart in the hugely-impressive Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium provides everyone connected with the club the chance to prove that it was the dismal Aston Villa game that was the fluke, not the stunning Chelsea performance.

"We've had five games since the Arsenal defeat and we've only lost one, against Aston Villa," said McClaren. "It was a heavy defeat so it was good to get Saturday's performance and result and give the players a boost and also to lift the fans.

"I fully expect more performances like that. We have to take belief and confidence from that result. We've prepared well and I expect us to perform to the standard we set at the weekend."

Stuttgart recently sacked legendary coach Giovanni Trapattoni after a disappointing run following the midwinter break. But new boss Armin Veh could not prevent a 2-1 defeat to lowly Armenia Bielefeld last weekend.

"This tie will not be won or lost tonight but I expect us to be still in it," said McClaren. "We need to keep a clean sheet and score a goal and be in a prime position to finish them off back at the Riverside.

"We want to do well in every competition. Yes, we want to get out of trouble in the league, but the cup competitions are where we can achieve something this season.

"We've adapted well to European football and we've got big players who relish this challenge.

"Both teams have been indifferent this season. But I've looked at the tapes and know the players, they are a good team and on their day they can beat anyone."

McClaren hinted there could be unforced changes to his line-up tonight.

See the Chelsea goals again and again on Boro World