Southgate warns youngsters

Southgate: Youngsters must prove their worth

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Gareth Southgate insists that he will not throw youngsters into his first team for the sake of it despite Middlesbrough's proud history of bringing academy players through.

The Middlesbrough boss already has a young squad at his disposal but more Boro youth-team graduates may get the chance to shine this season with a number of established stars set to leave The Riverside.

The likes of Tuncay Sanli, Afonso Alves, Gary O'Neill and the injured Stuart Downing have all been linked with moves away from the North East this summer.

Last season's Championship winners Wolves proved that a team with a young squad can win the division but Southgate is adamant that he will only pick youngsters if they are up to standard.

"If they are good enough and come through, then there's every chance they will get in the squad and maybe the team," he said.

"But we want to win promotion this season and that means we have to be stronger than last season, so there will be no room for carrying passengers.

"The academy will still be a big part of this club, as it always has been, but our young players won't get in just because they have come through our system.

"They have to be good enough. It's very much about raising the bar and setting themselves new standards."