COLIN COOPER has been urged to keep up the good work after passing a highly-commendable milestone in his 19-year career.

The experienced Middlesbrough star was awarded a commemorative shirt from his teammates after passing 700 professional games for both club and country.

Cooper has become Boro's Mr Versatile under manager Steve McClaren after playing in every position across the back four.

But the 36-year-old, who celebrates his 37th birthday in February, has helped transform the club's fortunes this season alongside skipper Gareth Southgate at the heart of the defence.

Boro have kept six consecutive Premiership clean sheets, form which has helped the Teessiders push towards a top six place.

And Southgate is convinced Cooper has set the perfect example to all of the club's rising stars.

"Colin has been absolutely magnificent," said Southgate. "I think he has been waiting for the opportunity to play as a centre-half.

"We gave him a little presentation in the dressing room after the Portsmouth game because he has gone past 700 games.

"We have given him a specially signed shirt which the kit-man has done for him with the number 700 on it. We knew it was a landmark he was looking towards at the start of the season and as it happens he has played every game.

"That is a magnificent achievement for anybody to achieve in their career.

"He is a fantastic professional, he is still very fit and a perfect role model for all of the youngsters at the club. I'm delighted he has played on for as long as he has."

Most of Cooper's appearances have been at Boro but he also spent time with Millwall and Nottingham Forest, where he was handed two England senior caps.

And the Trimdon man, who also earned eight Under-21 caps, is in line to make more starts in the Premiership, as Ugo Ehiogu continues to push towards full fitness.

Ehiogu, who made a return to action as a substitute in last week's Carling Cup win over Everton, is nearing a league return after a serious knee injury sustained in the final home game of last season against Tottenham.

And Southgate admits Cooper's impressive displays have ensured his former Aston Villa colleague can take as long as he needs to recover fully. "It must be great for Ugo because there has been no real rush for him to come back because Colin has played so well," said the Boro captain.

"The record for the defence is as good as anything, if you take the first five games out of the way, it's the best in the league.

"We are priding ourselves on that record at the moment and it means that Ugo is facing a fight to get back in because we are coping well in his absence."

Meanwhile, Boro's Bolo Zenden believes he will play a big part in Holland's bid for European Championships glory next summer.

Zenden has been overlooked by national team boss Dick Advocaat in recent matches, but the winger is convinced he will soon earn a recall to the starting line-up.

He said: "I was in the Dutch team when I wasn't playing regularly for Chelsea and yet now I'm in the Boro team every week I'm not playing for Holland.

"I've been with the squads every single qualification game, but the last three games I didn't play. I'm not hopeful of playing in Euro 2004, I'm confident.