GARETH SOUTHGATE has made it known he wants the manager's job at Middlesbrough, and chairman Steve Gibson will do everything in his power to make sure it happens.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the search for Steve McClaren's successor, Gibson has finally concluded that Southgate is the man to take the club forward.

But Boro fans expecting a quick conclusion will have to brace themselves for more behind the scenes negotiations, as special dispensation by the Premier League will have to be made if Southgate is to be officially installed.

The 36-year-old does not possess the required FIFA Pro Licence that will enable him to take charge of a Premiership club - which was agreed by the Premier League back in 2002.

Much to the dismay of the League Managers Association, Newcastle United successfully argued the ruling should be overlooked in Glenn Roeder's case because he was diagnosed with a brain tumour as he was about to embark on the course in 2003.

And now Middlesbrough face a similar battle if they are to stand any chance of giving Southgate his first managerial role, although the case will be quite different.

Gibson's hope is that the club captain can be promoted to the position of manager because, as a former international footballer, he has been unable to undertake the courses that would have enabled him to possess the Pro Licence.

Southgate is only due to be assessed for his B Licence this summer, which is two steps and two years away from the actual qualification agreed by the Premier League four years ago.

Middlesbrough and Southgate, though, will push ahead with their plans. They feel having earned 57 caps for his country he did not have sufficient time during the close-seasons to work towards the necessary badges.

In light of how the LMA and the Premier League reacted to the Roeder case, Middlesbrough are sure to face an arduous battle to see their wish granted.

Southgate's last cap was in March 2004 against Sweden, but injury ruled him out of the European Championships that year, and Middlesbrough are sure to claim discrimination against international footballers if he is not given the go-ahead to take charge.

Gibson, who failed to reach agreement with Terry Venables and Martin O'Neill prior to opting for Southgate, is determined to ensure there is a positive outcome this time.

Such is his determination that the ambitious chairman could go down the same road Fulham did when the Cottagers named Chris Coleman in charge alongside coach Steve Keane, who held the Pro Licence. At Middlesbrough both Steve Round and Steve Harrison have the necessary badges.

Southgate, who would become the second youngest manager in the Premiership behind Watford's Adrian Boothroyd, would take a back seat from playing duties when he picks the side.

He will, however, retain his playing registration forms but will steer clear of playing a big part next season - his loss would be eased if the Teessiders sign 21-year-old German defender Robert Huth from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka has revealed he could quit international football after this summer's World Cup.

The Asian Cup is scheduled for next season, which means both Viduka and Mark Schwarzer will be required to represent their country.

But Viduka, speaking ahead of Australia's return to the World Cup stage a week today against Japan, has indicated he may decide to concentrate on club football after the finals.

"I have one child and one on the way. I miss my family when I'm away. I'm thinking about my future with the national team and the results this summer could be important to that," said the 30-year-old.

"I have to travel to the other side of the world and it takes a week to recover. There will be a lot of games with the Asian Cup and I might be away every month. I have to think of the pros and cons."

Boro, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for American defender Oguchi Onyeuw who is with Belgian club Standard Leige."