Middlesbrough FC

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Wheater backed to improve

19 Jun 2008 - 10:17:28

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is confident that young centre-back David Wheater can build on his impressive first full season in the Boro first team.

The 21-year-old became a key part of Southgate's plans last term, also forcing his way into the senior England squad, with the Boro boss backing Wheater to maintain his form.

He said: "It's a challenge for him, but I don't think it's anything he should fear.

"He has seen what the league is about and he has proved he can play at this level. The thing about becoming a top player is producing it season in, season out.

"Getting a place in the team is one thing and it is incredibly hard, but it is even harder keeping it, so that's the challenge for him.

"I am pleased in a selfish sense from Middlesbrough's point of view that he didn't get that England cap at the end of the season.

"He has still got something to strive for and so much ahead of him if he continues in the way he did last season."