Gareth Southgate has not ruled out a top ten finish after a promising start to Middlesbrough's Premier League campaign.
Trialist speculation played down by boss
Gareth Southgate has not ruled out a top ten finish after a promising start to Middlesbrough's Premier League campaign.
The Teessiders are currently in eighth and whilst remaining coy on setting targets, the Boro boss believes there is still plenty more to come this season - starting with the Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
"We are where we are over 11 games so I don't think it's down to luck," Southgate said.
"I think there's more to come from us, I think we can improve as individuals and as a team and let's see how far that can take us.
Target
"I don't want to set targets now. Our own immediate target is to go to Villa and win.
"We want more and if we finish the season there or thereabouts we know it's been a good season.
"There's still 27 games to go so why not? Let's see what we can do."
Mido, Justin Hoyte and Julio Arca are likely to earn places in the starting line-up after shaking off injuries, as Middlesbrough look to change their travelling fortunes against Villa - winning just once away to top flight opposition.
Speculation
"It will be about what we do on the day. We can cause them problems. We're in a good position now so can we now rise to this situation?"
Southgate has played down rumours that they have signed Slovakian teenage trialist Peter Gal-Andrezly.
The 18-year-old's current club MFK Kosice claim Boro have agreed to sign him on a six-month loan deal in January.
However, Southgate has dampened speculation, adding: "I think some of the reports are a bit premature. He's somebody we're having a look at and once we feel ready to take anything further we'll let everybody know."
