Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is refusing to speculate on the future of Gary McAllister ahead of the match at Burnley. Boro assistant boss McAllister is being linked with a similar role at Aston Villa under Gerard Houllier - who signed McAllister as a player when he was in charge at Anfield 10 years ago.

Strachan acknowledged there has been interest in McAllister - but was reluctant to say more on the eve of Tuesday's Championship match at home to Burnley.

He told Sky Sports News: "There has been contact with two clubs but what we'll do is leave it until after the (Burnley) game before we talk about it."