MARK VIDUKA is bracing himself for a January of uncertainty after failing to receive pre-Christmas indications from Middlesbrough that he is going to be offered a new contract.

The Australian, who will be free to leave for nothing when his existing deal expires in the summer, came close to joining Newcastle United on deadline day in August but the two clubs could not agree a fee.

Next month when the transfer window re-opens, having been left in exactly the same situation as he was before in terms of contract, Viduka admits he could have a frustrating new year as he tries to thrash out his future.

The 31-year-old is not one to allow things to get on top of him but he could do without having to spend January 31 with his agent trying to discover where he will be playing the rest of the season.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate insists he wants the former Leeds striker to stay and prove he is worth new terms. Viduka, though, is non-committal.

"I don't think we can avoid that at the moment," Viduka said, referring to the August deadline day he would hope not to repeat on January 31.

"But I'm confident whatever happens. I'm easy about the whole situation, whatever happens I'll be fine. I'd consider a new contract.

"There's been no approach from the club towards me for renegotiating, so it's all up in the air."

At this stage last season, with former manager Steve McClaren talking about a need for change and moving on some old heads, discontent settled into the Boro squad.

It had a negative effect on the rest of the Premiership campaign and with the futures of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ugo Ehiogu and Ray Parlour all unclear, their only win in December and January arrived on January 31.

Viduka was another to have been touted around to clubs 12 months ago, a factor which contributed to his own poor performances - something he does not feel will be repeated this time around.

Nevertheless, he has conceded that the two situations are not too dissimilar, with six first-team players out of contract and interest from other clubs in Fabio Rochemback, Chris Riggott and Stuart Parnaby.

Viduka hopes the question marks surrounding a number of squad members, during a period of change, according to Southgate, does not take its toll on performances.

"There's a lot of people who don't know their future at the club and it's very difficult," said Viduka, knowing Massimo Maccarone, Gaizka Mendieta and Parlour are three who are out of contract in the summer and are likely to be leaving early.

"I don't know the reason for that but it is difficult to plan forward when they don't know their future, whether they're going to be here or not.

"Whether I'm disappointed or not doesn't matter, but my situation leaves it open for speculation, there's been the same about Massimo and a few other players.

"It just makes for a bit of uncertainty. That is very similar to last January. I wouldn't say it's discontent, it's just uncertainty. The boys stay with the football side of things and everyone is content.

"Training is very good, Gareth has been good, the assistants and what have you are all good. I just think if it's non-stop in newspapers, if people don't know whether they're staying long or short term, that it is difficult to plan forward for us, the club and our families. If you know who's staying or not, you know who to play."

It looks like an important few weeks for Viduka, who has been urged by his boss to show over the Christmas period why he should be offered a new contract.

"I certainly don't want it resolved by him leaving," said Southgate. "You have seen the impact he has had on the team in the last couple of matches. I hope we can discuss a new contract as the season progresses.

"Mark has missed the last few months and is just back in the team. I have not felt the time is right to discuss it with him. His performances do the talking for him and it forces the issue with us. We want him to play at the level he can and I would like him to stay at this club."

Defeat to Charlton today would turn a dreadful run of six games without a win into a crisis at the Riverside Stadium, with a strong possibility of them dropping into the relegation zone.

"We didn't expect to find ourselves here and it's a difficult time after the heights of last season and with Gareth still trying to get his feet in the new job," said Viduka, hoping to expand on his three goals so far.

"I thought the other night at Fulham we played very well, the result didn't go our way but bar a couple of mistakes for goals we did quite well. If we can keep playing in that way results are bound to change for us."

Viduka, revealing some of the young players he is surrounded by at the club don't make him feel old by not recognising his favourite 80s hits, will meet up with his former strike-partner Hasselbaink again today.

Hasselbaink left Boro in the summer after being allowed to depart by Southgate and hopes to start for the struggling Addicks today.

"He's a great player and I played well with him," said Southgate. "He came to see us the day of the game against Fulham in the hotel and it was nice to see him.

"Any team would miss Jimmy-Floyd, he's a great leader and a great personality to have in the dressing room. He's one of those players who stands up to be counted."