THREE-and-a-half years after earning the last of his two Holland caps, George Boateng's imperious displays at Middlesbrough could be rewarded with a long-awaited third today.

Since signing for Boro in August 2002, Boateng's hopes of adding to his international tally have never arrived, despite consistent performances at club level.

The 30-year-old's qualities have never wavered during his side's Jekyll and Hyde start to the campaign and his work has been noticed by Dutch coach Marco van Basten.

A World Cup place in van Basten's squad could now be within his grasp but his first priority remains domestically - where he is looking for Boro to improve on last season's seventh place finish.

The Teessiders sit in mid-table after a mediocre start and Boateng is unwilling to settle for anything other than an improvement on the club's record placing in May.

"This is my fourth season at Middlesbrough and every year we have progressed and closed the gap on the top sides above us," said Boateng, a value for money £5m signing from Aston Villa three years ago.

"This is going to be the most difficult season because what we did last season we have not achieved before (in the Premiership at least).

"To close the gap again is asking a lot of us but this is a good way to start. You always want to see how you fair against good opposition. We just need a bit of skill and our play in the final third needs to improve. That will come."

Boateng knows that if Boro continue to move up the Premiership table and make the right noises in the UEFA Cup, van Basten will continue to monitor his form.

The former Coventry man's last cap came in the 1-1 draw with England at the Amsterdam ArenA on February 13, 2002, and had begun to fear his international career was over.

However, his latest call-up has given him the encouragement to consider the possibility of playing in the World Cup next summer.

If Holland can avoid defeat in Prague against the Czech Republic today then they will ensure top spot in their qualification group for the 2006 Germany finals.

And Boateng, who is also in the squad for Wednesday's match with Macedonia, said: "I have been pushing hard for a call-up because we have so many good players. It puts me back in the frame for international football.

"It was one of my targets for the season and it has come early. I have to make sure I grab the chance with both hands."

Meanwhile, former Boro wing-back Christian Ziege is facing up to the prospect of having to call time on his career.

The 33-year-old, now with Borussia Monchengladbach has been sidelined several times over the past few years with an ankle problem and admits that retirement is probably the best option.

"I cannot imagine any other treatment is going to work. The situation cannot remain like this forever."