JONATHAN WOODGATE is a footballer who has plenty of his dreams unfulfilled, but the accomplished defender is convinced he can achieve most of them with Middlesbrough.

Despite being regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in the country, Woodgate's injury problems over the years have prevented him from making a big impact on the international stage.

But, with the worst of his injury worries behind him, the 27-year-old is keen to make up for lost time and force his way into the England reckoning as soon as possible.

Bearing in mind Woodgate's ability and age, he should have earned far more than the six caps he has for his country.

But the Teesside-born defender, looking ahead to this afternoon's visit of North-East neighbours Sunderland to the Riverside Stadium, is only focusing on the future.

England's successes over Israel and Russia this month have raised the prospect of qualifying for next summer's European Championships.

And Woodgate wants to be a part of the squad which takes on Estonia and Russia in the middle of next month, knowing he needs time to force his way back into Steve McClaren's thoughts.

If the Boro man can he will finally have achieved a long-standing ambition - wearing the England shirt at a finals.

"It's frustrating that I haven't been to a major tournament, but I'm not one to look back on the past," said Woodgate.

"There's nothing worse when they (England) are all out there and you know what it's like back home watching it from a bar with your mates and family.

"When you are in that situation all you can think about is 'Oh my God, look at the atmosphere in this bar, imagine what it's like over there representing your country'. I want to be a part of that."

McClaren has remained in touch with Woodgate since the defender had to withdraw from the squad that travelled to Israel and Andorra last March - injury has prevented him from being recalled since.

But, despite not playing in the Champions League or UEFA Cup this season, he is convinced that playing for his home-town club will not affect his chances of adding to his caps.

"I don't think it's more difficult getting selected for England if you play for a club outside the top four," said Woodgate. "Stewart (Downing) has been in there for the last two years.

"If you're playing well for your club I'm sure you'll get selected. Some of the best players in the England squad are not playing in the Champions League at the moment.

"Look at the best scorer in England, Michael Owen, he's a world-class player, and Micah Richards, they're not playing in the Champions League.

"Obviously I want to get in as many squads as possible and I will try to get in the European Championships squad. It's not going to be easy with the players they've got. I think all the English lads in our team are up for the challenge too. I don't worry about my place and I just try to play as well as I can every week."

But returning to the European scene remains high on Woodgate's list of priorities, and he feels manager Gareth Southgate is going the right way about granting his wish.

Last week's 3-0 defeat at West Ham was a set-back, but the former Leeds and Newcastle hero believes Southgate's team have it in them to return to winning ways against Sunderland.

"I didn't come here to finish 12th, tenth or below that," said the £7m signing from Real Madrid.

"Middlesbrough have spent a lot of money this season and when you look at the players we've got it would be a failure if we don't qualify for Europe.

"Before I signed they said they were going to buy players and show ambition. I think they've done that with the players they've bought. I come here because it's my home-town club and I want to see if my home-town club is as ambitious as I am."