Southgate happy with squad

Boro boss considering more signings

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 7th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Southgate happy with squad

Southgate: In confident mood

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Gareth Southgate has spoken of his satisfaction at the way the summer has gone so far for Middlesbrough, although he is still considering more signings.

Marvin Emnes and Didier Digard have already arrived at the Riverside and were able to take part in the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

Southgate is delighted to have got the players in a long way ahead of Boro's opening Premier League game against Tottenham, and he is expecting both men to have big seasons.

"We're really pleased to have got the signings done," Southgate told Sky Sports News.

"They are two young players who fit the profile of what we are trying to bring in.

"It is good to get them in for the first day of pre-season so they can find out the way we work.

"It also means we are not scrapping around for players as we get towards the beginning of the season."

Southgate is tracking a couple of other transfer targets but he is pleased with the players he already has at his disposal.

Strengthen

The Boro boss believes his youthful squad, which is growing in experience, should be able to have a successful campaign.

Asked if there would be more signings, Southgate replied: "Possibly. We are monitoring a couple of situations and we're still looking to strengthen, but I'm very happy with the squad we have got.

"We feel lots of the players will be stronger for the season they had last season.

"For two or three players it was their first season in the Premier League, and because of the age of our squad we feel we will develop."

Southgate also admitted that midfielder George Boateng could be on his way out of Middlesbrough.

Boateng has been linked with both Celtic and Hull and Southgate is happy for the Dutchman to make the final decision on his future.

"He's certainly having talks with other teams and he's expressed a desire to move on, so the ball is in his court at this moment in time," said Southgate.