BORO star Gareth Southgate took time out from training yesterday to back a campaign aimed at raising awareness about testicular cancer.

More than 50 Premier and Football League clubs have teamed up with cancer charity The Garland Appeal to promote Check Your Kit, the first national campaign to encourage young men to take seriously the risk of testicular cancer.

Middlesbrough FC will be encouraging its young male fans to make the health check by displaying posters around the stadium during Saturday's home match with Liverpool.

The club's 250 stewards will also wear badges in support of the campaign and messages will appear in the match programme, on concourse TVs and over the stadium PA system.

Southgate said: "Apparently testicular cancer has doubled in the last 20 years and particularly effects men aged between 18 and 34. If the symptoms are recognised quickly there is an excellent chance of full recovery. We have seen players like Alan Stubbs and Neil Harris return to football in good shape.

"Many of our supporters are in the age range most at risk so the message is simple - check your kit!"