GARETH Southgate prepared for tonight's game by hailing Chris Coleman as an inspiration, writes Will Scott.

Southgate and Coleman were teammates at Crystal Palace in the early 1990s and have remained friends ever since.

The Boro boss revealed they still keep in touch and confessed he has received some invaluable advice from the Cottagers manager.

"I was at lunch with Chris last week," admitted Southgate whose team only escaped dropping in to the relegation places courtesy of goal difference following West Ham's 1-0 victory over Manchester United yesterday. "We spoke a lot over the summer as we made a bid for Steed Malbranque as well. I've even more admiration for what he's done after my first few months in the job. He's always been a strong character. I was the captain at Palace but we had plenty of other leaders in the dressing room and he was very much one.

"The job came up very early for him but he got some terrific results and he's continued to build the club. The job is superb that he's done there.

"I had a long chat with him the summer. We went for dinner because we were on holiday in the same place. I know him and his wife and family very well.

"We talked things through and he marked my card about a few things. It's very helpful to have guys you've played with in a similar position because you can always pick the phone up and have a chat with them about things.

"(Jean) Tigana left in the middle of the season and he had to pick up the pieces. I'm full of admiration for him.

"I'm biased because Chris is a good friend of mine but he's a great example to me."