GARETH SOUTHGATE yesterday spoke of the culture shock which he believes will ultimately produce a winning formula at Middlesbrough.

The England centre-back, who joined Steve McClaren's Riverside revolution when he moved from Aston Villa in a £6.5m summer deal, is predicting a bright future for Boro despite their dismal start under the new regime.

Three games, no points and no goals is McClaren's record as he prepares for his first North-East derby against Newcastle United this afternoon.

But Southgate, the defensive corner-stone of McClaren's strategy, insists a whole new mentality will reap long-term rewards.

Fuelled by the claims of Southgate's former Villa teammate Paul Merson, who quit Boro acrimoniously three years ago, rumours abounded of drinking and gambling being rife during Bryan Robson's seven-year reign as manager.

The previous set-up angrily refuted such suggestions, but while new man McClaren might not quite be a member of the temperance society, he is certainly a champion of clean living.

"I know what he is thinking," said Southgate.

"There are a lot of plans to change the culture of the club and the long-term future here is very exciting."

Doubts have already been cast on the wisdom of first-time manager McClaren marrying his new job with his England coaching role.

But Southgate echoed the views this week of Boro colleague Colin Cooper, insisting: "I don't think it's an issue. If we had won the three games people would not even be talking about it.

"Steve was away with England, but he also came back to the club and even signed a player with the Allan Johnston deal.

"Steve and I talked about the club while we were away with England as well. We discussed a few things; you do get spare time when you are with England.

"Appointing someone like Steve shows the ambition there is at this club. That is shown by the calibre of person who is employed here.

"The only problem about being with England is that all the players call him Steve, but I have to call him gaffer!"

Southgate's serious side soon resurfaced when he turned his thoughts to the stern test that awaits Boro at the Riverside today.

Former England captain Alan Shearer is hoping to make his first start in six months for Newcastle following knee surgery.

But Southgate stressed: "Whether he plays or not we know we're going to have our hands full. There will be no extra attention to him. If you do that with one player, someone else will make you pay.

"We know we have to put things right and I'm very confident that will happen. Sympathy is the last thing you get in football. We know we are under the miscroscope because of results, and we are very aware we owe our supporters.

"This is a fantastic game for us at this stage. There will be a lot of passion and a tremendous atmosphere, and we're very determined to pull things around."

Read more about the Boro here.