MIDDLESBROUGH'S England defender Gareth Southgate has taken Norwegian trialist Morten-Gamst Pedersen under his wing as the Tromso midfielder looks to carve out a career in England.

Under-21 international Pedersen is training with Boro for ten days and has already made an impression - by beating centre-back Southgate in an aerial duel.

But the vastly-experienced Southgate, who joined Boro in the summer when he moved from Aston Villa in a £6.5m deal, hasn't taken it to heart.

A source in Norway revealed: "Gareth Southgate has taken Morten under his wing and is helping him at Middlesbrough. They are staying in the same hotel while Southgate looks for a house.''

Pedersen, 20, who Tromso value at around £1m, said: "I'm fairly satisfied with the way things are going at Middlesbrough. I don't feel that I have fallen behind the other players.

"It's a bit on the physical side, but that is what the English game is like. I beat Gareth Southgate in the air, which pleased me at least!''

Meanwhile, striker Andy Campbell could hit the comeback trail tonight when Boro Reserves travel to Manchester City. The 22-year-old front-runner hasn't played this season after undergoing surgery for a serious ankle problem which cost him a move to First Division Crystal Palace when he failed a medical.

l David Ginola could face a fine of more than £100,000 and a six-match suspension after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his weekend bust-up with a fourth official.

Aston Villa manager John Gregory has already confirmed that he will fine Ginola, who earns around £35,000 a week, for his ''futile and unnecessary'' conduct in being sent off after a clash with Leicester City's Dennis Wise.

And there is every indication that, if found guilty, the French star will also be hit hard in the pocket with a two-week fine by the Football Association after his touchline confrontation with fourth official Clive Wilkes.

Ginola waved a finger at Wilkes and then tapped him on the side of the head before heading to the dressing rooms after the intervention of Gregory, Villa first-team coach Stuart Gray and physiotherapist Jim Walker.

That action is almost certain to carry a three-match suspension in addition to the automatic three-game ban Ginola will receive after being sent off by Steve Bennett.

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