Mendieta told to move on
15 Nov 2007 - 13:52:50
Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has been told that he has little or no chance of earning a first-team recall with the Teessiders.
The 33-year-old former Spain international had spoken of his hopes of getting back into contention under manager Gareth Southgate, having not featured at all this year.
Mendieta told Sky Sports: "My mission is to work each day and fight for a place in the team.
"I believe that I am still able to play for Boro, it is my challenge to play in a match in the Premier League."
However, a defiant Southgate told The Gazette: "At this moment in time I don't see him being involved with the first-team. His attitude to training is fantastic and his training has been brilliant.
"But I've discussed his situation with him and I have my views on the strengths and weaknesses of every player.
"We have a need to look towards younger players and for quite a while now we have been trying to negotiate with Mendi so that he is able to move on.
"I think it's important from his perspective and for his career to move on."
Mendieta has only played 83 times for Boro during more than four years at the club, scoring just six goals, and has not been allocated a squad number this season.