MIDDLESBROUGH skipper Gareth Southgate is refusing to admit defeat in his bid to play in the European Championships this summer - even though his hopes look to have been dashed.

Southgate has been ruled out for the rest of Boro's Premiership campaign after damaging knee ligaments in training on Tuesday, leading manager Steve McClaren to recall Colin Cooper from a loan spell with Sunderland.

And that means the experienced centre-back, desperate to play in what will almost certainly be his last major international tournament, looks destined to be overlooked by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson is due to name his provisional squad for Euro 2004 on May 17 - just two days after the Premiership campaign reaches its climax.

With Rio Ferdinand already ruled out through suspension, Southgate looked certain to be named as one of the four centre-backs along with John Terry, Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate.

In that respect the 33-year-old's injury could not have come at a worse time, although he said: "I hope to recover in time for selection for Euro 2004."

Southgate suffered the injury on his first day back to full training after recovering from a jaw problem sustained in England's defeat to Sweden.

He missed Boro's victory over Bolton at the Riverside on Saturday, with Chris Riggott and Ugo Ehiogu forming the backbone of McClaren's defence.

A club statement confirmed: "A scan on Tuesday revealed medial ligament damage to Gareth's right knee. He is wearing a protective brace and it is likely to be on for up to five weeks. We will be monitoring the situation but it is unlikely he will play again this season."

What could work in Southgate's favour is that Eriksson will now be in a dilemma as to who to include along with Terry, Campbell and Woodgate.

Southgate's experience was standing him in good stead, although the England coach has also tested Matthew Upson, Ledley King, Anthony Gardner and Wes Brown in that role and they are all in with a shout.

There could also be a slim chance that Boro teammate Ehiogu, frozen out in recent squads, may find himself back in contention if he can perform to his best until the end of the campaign.

Eriksson has lined up two friendlies with Japan (June 1) and Iceland (June 5) before England kick-off their Euro 2004 bid against favourites France on June 13.

Southgate will not be the only Boro player missing from their trip to Chelsea this Saturday.

Dutch winger Bolo Zenden, on loan from the Blues, will not be allowed to play against his parent club. Brazilian Doriva is also missing with groin trouble.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.