MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Terry Venables last night demanded a disciplinary shake-up after writing off England hero Ugo Ehiogu for the next six weeks.

Centre-back Ehiogu, who scored England's third goal as Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign was launched with Wednesday's 3-0 win over Spain, starts a four-match ban tomorrow when relegation-threatened Boro host Charlton.

Club record £8m signing Ehiogu was punished for punching Wimbledon's Mark Williams in last month's FA Cup defeat at Selhurst Park, and the ban was extended to four games because it was Ehiogu's second dismissal this season.

But Venables believes Ehiogu's lengthy exile highlights a major anomaly in the disciplinary procedure.

Ehiogu now can't play in any domestic game until Boro visit Arsenal on Saturday, April 14.

"He's going to be out almost longer than a summer break and it's ludicrous,'' complained Venables.

"We're going to miss him - and for a long time as well!

"It bothers most people in the game that we had three or four games in about ten days around Christmas and some of us have now got two lots of two-week breaks, and someone like Ugo ends up being out for six weeks.

"The PFA can't be happy about it because suspended players can't play reserve games or even friendly matches. That can't be right.

"If you pick up a suspension in the FA Cup, you should serve it in that competition.''

Ehiogu is available for England's World Cup qualifiers against Finland, three weeks tomorrow, and Albania four days later, and Venables added: "He can't play a friendly match - but he can play for England! It's inconsistent.''

Venables is also aware that a shortage of match practice could affect Ehiogu's immediate England prospects.

"Eriksson knew he was suspended but he still chose him, so he's over that hurdle,'' said Venables.

"He's done himself no harm with his performance, but now the problem is a lack of games and I don't think anyone should be stopped from playing. There has to be some uniformity.

"Ugo did very well for England. He made one goal and scored one but I thought he was unlucky to be penalised for Spain's penalty. I didn't think it was a penalty - I don't think he knew he was running into the back of the player.''

Former England coach Venables was encouraged by the display under the new regime and stressed: "I would be very positive about us qualifying for the World Cup. I think we've got a terrific group of players.

"The job is still to be done, but the odds have already come down from 33-1 to 25-1 on us to win it, so the bookies must have been impressed.

"It was a good night and Eriksson couldn't have been more satisfied. I thought all the players did very well.

"Spain can be a strong side. For half an hour they controlled possession, but they looked very ordinary in the end.

"He wanted to see as many players as he could and he will have had good advice from Peter Taylor and others. He wasn't even supposed to be in the job yet, so he's ahead of the game and he must be pleased with Wednesday's performance.''

Meanwhile, Boro target Dani yesterday confirmed he is staying with Barcelona.

The striker insisted: "I didn't consider leaving. I know it's impossible to find a better club than Barcelona.

"If they do decide they want me to go, it will not be to just any club. I will negotiate the deal.

"But I have four years left on my contract and I want to fulfil them. It's good to know people want you, but I'm happy here.''

Dani's agent, Miguel Angel Cermeno, revealed there were "offers on the table''.

Barcelona are understood to value Dani at £9.6m, while Boro are reported to have only been prepared to pay around £6.8m.

Manager Bryan Robson was part of a top-level Boro delegation who flew to Spain this week in a bid to clinch a deal.

Venables said: "The club held talks with Barcelona, but I think Bryan feels that one has gone quiet.

"It's possible we'll strengthen before the transfer deadline - a lot can happen in three weeks.

"I'll have input, but Bryan is the key man on transfers along with the chairman, Steve Gibson.

"We've got to decide whether we add one player or three. Everyone here is looking at players. I've been watching videos till late every night since I've been here. If we can improve the situation, we will.