OUT-of-favour Jason Gavin last night revealed how he is ready to battle on in his fight for a Middlesbrough place.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 centre-back enjoyed a comfortable performance for Boro in the Worthington Cup win at Brentford on Tuesday night.

But that was Gavin's first start for Steve McClaren's men this season and he admits he is facing an almost impossible mission to force his way ahead of regulars Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu at the heart of the defence.

However, the 22-year-old is determined to keep in the right frame of mind and he is refusing to become disillusioned with life in the reserves.

"It is always going to be frustrating because there are two World Cup centre-halves at this club," said Gavin. "Plus the gaffer has got Colin Cooper and Tony Vidmar.

"All I can do is work hard in training and play well in the reserves team, and when I get the chance in the first team I will have to do a good job.

"Hopefully the manager will see me trying to do that and he will put me in his team some time.

"You have to keep focused, get your head down and work hard no matter who is in the team.

"I don't care who is in there, I'm going to try my hardest to get my place and get in the team.

"The two who are in there at the moment are doing well. All I'm going to do is work hard and see what happens."

Gavin was the subject of interest from Leeds just hours before the transfer window closed at the end of August.

Terry Venables, the Leeds boss, worked with the young defender during his short spell in charge at the Riverside alongside Bryan Robson.

And Venables was understood to have had a £500,000 bid rejected for Gavin, who has only managed two unused substitute appearances for Boro in the Premiership this season.

Riverside chief McClaren admits his fringe players are always going to attract interest from other clubs, but he has been delighted with the way Gavin has gone about his job.

"I think it's always difficult for Gavin because he is a young player who plays centre-half," said the former Manchester United No 2.

"It's difficult when you are in competition with the likes of Ehiogu and Southgate. It's very hard to break through.

"But Gav's never moaned and he has always got on with it. He has an excellent attitude and he always does well whenever he plays.

"There's bound to be speculation about all players who are not playing in the first team. No move materialised for him and Gavin is just getting on with it."

Meanwhile, Gavin was just pleased to be back in first team action again - even if it was as part of a side made up of second-string players at Griffin Park.

The Irishman hopes to keep his place, along with the rest of the side on Tuesday night, when the third round of the Worthington Cup comes around early next month.

"It was just nice to get a game, it's been a while now," said Gavin. "And it was a great result for us as we fielded such a weakened team.

"I wouldn't know what team the gaffer is going to put out next time and whether he intends to keep doing this in the Worthington Cup.

"I would be disappointed if he did change it for the next round, but it's up to the gaffer, he is the main man at the moment.

"It doesn't matter what team this club puts out, he knows the players are going to do a job.

"The Academy is doing well, the reserves are doing well and the first team is doing well, so we know whoever plays will be able to come away with a result."

Dean Windass is facing around two weeks on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury in the first half against the Bees.

Highly-rated winger Stewart Downing replaced Windass at half-time and rifled in Boro's fourth goal in the 4-1 win.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.