Boro boss Steve McClaren has confirmed he has major selection headaches ahead of his side's F.A semi-final clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Boro already without the cup-tied Benito Carbone and the suspended Paul Ince have been rocked by the news that Noel Whelan is also extremely doubtful for the game after a suspected hamstring tear in the win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

McClaren said: "It looks as if it is a hamstring strain. We won't know the full extent, until we scan it over the next few days, but it looks bad, the way he pulled up.

"You've got to say he's a major doubt for next week, and that's another blow for us. For next week, we're missing Paul Ince, Noel and (Benito) Carbone, and that's a big part of our side.

"Szilard (Nemeth) and Alen (Boksic) have got another eight days and we'll be working full time on them. It would be nice to have that selection problem with both of them fit. He added

Meanwhile defender Ugo Ehiogu has denied claims he is set to start the game upfront if both Nemeth and Boksic are out.