WITH two of the biggest names in Argentinean football currently plying their trade in the Premier League, Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca is hoping his increased profile will help him realise his international dream.

Despite a successful youth career that saw him win the 2001 World Youth Championships and captain Argentina Under-21s, Arca has never made the transition to his homeland's senior side.

Having spent the last seven years of his career in England, the versatile left-footer has rarely been on the radar of a succession of Argentina coaches.

But with Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano currently playing for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, the Premier League has suddenly sprang to prominence in the South American country.

Last season, Boro boss Gareth Southgate talked of calling Argentina boss Alfio Basile in an attempt to win Arca an international call-up.

And while the 26-year-old is refusing to raise his hopes too high, he is hoping the arrival of his compatriots will aid his cause.

"The national TV is showing a lot of English games over there now," said Arca, who has played in all five of Boro's Premier League matches this term. "Last month, they showed the whole of our game with Newcastle and they show highlights over there as well.

"The English and Spanish leagues are very popular over there, especially because of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. It's important and, if I'm scoring goals and doing well, it could help me get noticed.

"As a player, I obviously have ambitions, but the longer it goes on, the less you think about being called up. At the moment, I'm thinking more about playing well for Middlesbrough and that's what it's all about for me. But if I'm doing well here, who knows what might happen?"

Meanwhile, Lee Cattermole, Gaizka Mendieta and Tony McMahon were part of a strong Middlesbrough reserve side that opened their Premier League campaign with 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool last night.

Darlington-born Tom Craddock gave the Teessiders the lead after ten minutes at the Riverside, although there was a hint of handball about the goal as he challenged Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje on the goal line.

Liverpool equalised from the spot in the second half after Jonathan Grounds was adjudged to have use his right arm - Ray Putterill converted the resulting penalty.

But Boro almost snatched the win in injury time as Richard Smallwood shot at goal, but keen defending blocked his path.

Middlesbrough: Jones; McMahon, Hines, Grounds, Bennett, Mendieta, Cattermole (Smallwood 56), Goulon (Thompson, 56), Johnson J, Craddock, Hutchinson (Cronesberry 68). Unused subs: Steele; McCardle.