McClaren celebrates ´perfect´ UEFA Cup night

Former England boss Steve McClaren guided Dutch club Twente Enschede into the UEFA Cup group stages on Thursday after a 1-0 win over French side Rennes.

Twente had lost the first round, first leg clash in France 2-1 a fortnight ago, but that away goal, allied to Swiss international Blaise Kufo's strike here in the 68th minute, proved crucial.

McClaren, who has kick-started his football rehabilitation in the Netherlands following his failure to take England to the Euro 2008 finals, said: “1-0, it's the perfect result and it was deserved.

“The aim was to get to the break at 0-0 and I knew we would be stronger in the second half. That was the case. We stayed focused and defended well and I liked the way we managed the last 15 minutes.

“It was important to qualify and to continue to learn during matches of a high level on the international scene. It's important for the development of the club and the players. We're making progress.”