MIDDLESBROUGH skipper Gareth Southgate last night insisted he has no intention of being forced into international retirement.

While he admits he faces a struggle to regain his England place, the 33-year-old centre-back is clinging to the belief that he could yet return to the fold despite outspoken attacks on coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Southgate, who claimed the Swede lacked the ability to "inspire'' players, has been omitted from the last three England squads.

His last appearance was in the 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifying victory over Slovakia at the Riverside in June.

Following England's resolute display in Turkey, which clinched their place in next summer's finals in Portugal, 55-cap Southgate said: "It's going to be very difficult to get back into the side because of the way the guys have performed.

"But as we saw with the Rio Ferdinand business last week, anything can happen. I certainly wouldn't retire; if I'm not picked, that's fair enough, but I wouldn't rule myself out for the long-term.

"What I said about the coach might affect things, but I'm sure doors aren't closed. I think he's a manager who will pick players based on how they are playing.

"But he also wants to bring younger players through, which is right. The majority of my years in football are behind me and we have a wealth of talent coming through with the likes of John Terry and Matthew Upson.''

Southgate's future at club level has also been the subject of fevered speculation. He has spoken of his desire to play in Europe, and yesterday confessed: "The clock is ticking for me.

"It's up to the club. I have just over 18 months left on my contract and I'm very open-minded about things.

"When you've been out injured, as I have been lately, you just want to get to back playing. My priority is helping the team get back up the table and the future has not even been discussed.

"But that's not a problem to me. I'm relaxed about things and I'm old enough not to get het-up.''

Newcastle United have been persistently linked with Southgate and he is set to return from a groin injury to face Alan Shearer and Co. in tomorrow's derby clash at the Riverside.

Boro's Szilard Nemeth has thrown down the gauntlet to Massimo Maccarone as the fight for frontline places hots up.

Club record £8.15m signing Maccarone has yet to figure at senior level this term after damaging ankle ligaments in a pre-season game at Hull City.

Having hit three goals in two games for the Reserves, the Italian is ready to offer manager Steve McClaren a fresh attacking option after the loss of Joseph-Desire Job with a four-month knee ligament injury.

But leading scorer Nemeth, on target in the 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea 12 days ago, has underlined his own claims to partner Malcolm Christie.

The Slovakia star said: "All the strikers here have qualities, but there are only two places in the team. I just hope we always play the best two strikers - and that one of them is me!

"It's always very important for strikers to score and I think I have done well to score three goals after six starts this season.

"It's always frustrating when you are not in the team but I hope to keep my place and play more games than I did last season.''

With only a point separating Boro from Newcastle and the bottom three, the outcome tomorrow could shape the season for either side.

"This game is very important for the players and the fans,'' said Nemeth. "I was shocked when I first came here because I'd played in derbies in Bratislava, but in front of only around 10,000 people.

"When I played against Sunderland and Newcastle I was very surprised at how important the games were for the fans.

"But now I understand about these games, and I know this is one we must win."

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