GARETH SOUTHGATE has experienced the highs and lows of UEFA Cup football and he has warned Middlesbrough to make sure the club's historic occasion does not end in disaster.

Banik Ostrava, the Czech champions, arrive on Teesside today ahead of tomorrow's first round first leg clash at the Riverside Stadium - Boro's maiden major European appearance.

Middlesbrough are hoping to create a special atmosphere inside the ground as they begin their quest to enjoy a successful bow in the competition.

But Southgate wants his teammates to make sure the exciting build-up to the match does not disappear - knowing exactly how it feels to have to face up to an early exit in the competition.

During the 34-year-old's time at former club Aston Villa, Swedish part-timers Helsingborg embarrassed Brian Little's side by making progress at the expense of the Villans eight years ago.

And Southgate, who also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in the 1997-98 season before being knocked out by Atletico Madrid, is keen to ensure it is victory rather than defeat that the Middlesbrough faithful witness.

"If you do have a successful run, the European nights can be very, very special," said Southgate, knowing there is a group stage if Banik are beaten.

"We have players here who have been involved in finals and semis. There's a great deal of experience and it would be fantastic for this club to have a run and put this club on the map and gain respect from many of the top teams in Europe.

"I will be very proud to be the first captain at this club to lead a team into the competition. This will be remembered for a long time. But if we don't go through then people won't be thinking about it for very long. We have to make sure it's a successful night as well."

Southgate has not played in the UEFA Cup for six years but, now that he is set to taste it again, he wants Middlesbrough to make sure their exploits are repeated.

And the former England defender believes booking their place in a European competition every year will ensure Steve McClaren can attract more star names and recent success will be easier to sustain.

"At Villa, European football was expected. The type of expectation that was there is what we want here," said Southgate. "We are in it this year and we don't want it to be a one off.

"We want to keep pushing for that top six in the Premiership and if you are in that group then you will qualify for Europe every year. The expectations of the club are raised and you have to keep improving. If we have a good reputation then that will improve the squad again."

Middlesbrough would love to better, or even possibly emulate, Newcastle's achievement last season when they reached the semi-finals.

And Szilard Nemeth, a striker for the Czech Republic's neighbours Slovakia, has warned his teammates to expect a tough time against Banik.

McClaren will be showing his players videos of the Czech champions in action but Southgate said: "Those will give us a good indication of what to expect.

"But whatever we expect we have to be prepared for them to play well and respect them. This is a side with a great deal of European experience. But we will not be going into it fearful."

Southgate will be partnered in defence by Chris Riggott tomorrow, with Ugo Ehiogu missing with a serious calf injury.

"It's incredibly frustrating for Ugo," said a sympathetic Southgate. "He missed the start of last season with a knee injury and has not been able to get a flow going. I know he is very frustrated but you get periods like this and he is experienced enough and determined to bounce back from this.