MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren last night hailed the performances of his young guns during the club's recent run of good results.

Struggling Southampton visit the Riverside this afternoon and the Boro boss admits he is delighted to be faced with a selection dilemma.

Young defenders Robbie Stockdale and Jason Gavin, along with midfielders Mark Wilson and Carlos Marinelli have all forced their way into the reckoning after impressive displays.

And the former Manchester United number two enthused how he has been delighted with all the younger players' attitudes, whom he sees as part of the new era at Boro.

"We are looking towards youth and we have got some very good players here," said McClaren, who also has 17-year-old David Murphy involved on a match-day.

"Just to watch them performing on the pitch is very rewarding for me.

"Jason Gavin was outstanding at Chelsea and Marinelli, Wilson and Stockdale all came on and changed the game.

"And as manager it puts me in a really difficult position when I'm picking the team, but a pleasing position.

"It's a headache but it's a headache that I welcome.

"All of the players are wanting a chance to shine, and I want everybody who is not in the starting 11 to prove they can do better."

The return of £8m centre-back Ugo Ehiogu from injury means Gavin is likely to find himself looking on from the bench.

But the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is now, arguably, third choice defender behind two England internationals in Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate.

Despite McClaren being delighted with all of his rising stars, he admits that Marinelli in particular has something extra special.

And he also sympathises with the majority of the Teesside faithful who are desperate to see the wizardry wing play of Marinelli given a starting berth.

"Carlos has been very, very good for us over the past three or four games," said McClaren, who is already a big fan of the Argentinian.

"He has that something different that can turn a game and can win the game. He has fantastic ability."

During his days as Sir Alex Ferguson's number two at Old Trafford he was able to look on with admiration at United's world class wide-men - Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.

And McClaren believes that the 19-year-old former Boca Juniors midfielder has got enough potential to match the likes of Giggs.

"He has certainly got the ability to match anyone that I have seen," insists McClaren. "Everybody can see that.

"There's still a lot he can learn because he is still only young.

"Carlos still has to make progress but one thing I have been impressed with is his attitude to improve."

With competition for places at Boro hotting up and a change in fortunes on the pitch helping McClaren's men climb up the table, confidence in the camp is high.

Seven points from a possible nine has seen Boro move up into 13th place, with this afternoon's opponents propping up the table.

And McClaren, while enjoying the recent change of fortunes, admits that it would be nice for him to go and take up his role as one of England's backroom men next week on the back of a Boro win.

"If we lose to Southampton I will get the same headlines as previous weeks," said McClaren referring to the calls for him to quit from his post with the national team.

"All I am concentrating on is this game with Southampton and making sure we get the three points."

Meanwhile, McClaren again insisted Paul Ince is staying put, despite claims from agent Steve Kutner suggesting otherwise.

Kutner had indicated earlier this week that Ince was not going to be receiving a new contract when his current deal expires in the summer, but McClaren revealed that he has not discussed new deals with anyone and he does not intend to do so until the New Year.

"There's no way I want to lose Paul Ince," said McClaren, who has keeper Mark Schwarzer back from suspension today.

"I have told all of the players whose contracts are up that I'm not in a position to hand out deals for two or three years.

"But I have not made any decisions and I will not be discussing them until after Christmas."

"I don't particularly listen to players' agents. All I know is that when I speak to Paul Ince there is honesty and commitment there."

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