JASON Euell has urged Jonathan Woodgate to commit his long-term future to Middlesbrough, claiming the defender can play a "huge role" in establishing the club among the English elite.

Woodgate has been Boro's most impressive performer since returning to his native Teesside in August, with his dominant displays having recalled the days when he was once viewed as England's most promising centre-half.

The 26-year-old is committed to the Riverside until the end of the campaign, but has regularly refused to rule out a possible return to Real Madrid next summer.

Euell admits that his team-mate is now reproducing the form that originally earned him a £13.4m move to the Bernabeu in August 2004.

But while Woodgate could well be offered a return to La Liga, Euell is hoping he chooses to remain in the North-East.

"Jonathan has come into the squad and immediately commanded the respect of everyone because he is a local lad and has Real Madrid on his CV," said the former Charlton midfielder.

"But more importantly, he is a fantastic player and, with a run of games, you can see why the Spaniards - and Newcastle for that matter - paid out so much for him.

"Woody can play a huge role in any success this club might have and, if it's possible, I'm sure the fans want to see him stay as much as the players do.

"It's good news for everyone that Jonathan could well be staying with the club."

Gareth Southgate is certainly bound to Boro, with last week's Premier League board meeting having agreed to his position as the club's manager despite the absence of a UEFA Pro Licence.

Southgate constantly maintained that the insecurity surrounding his future was not having a negative effect on his players.

But now that the former England international's status has been secured, Euell admits that a weight has been lifted.

"We're pleased to have Gareth managing us for the foreseeable future," he said. "It was the correct decision to let him carry on in the role because there's simply no way he could have completed his coaching badges at this stage of his career.

"For the past 15 summers, he's been playing football and has been involved in major championships with England, making it almost impossible to get them done. But now he has time on his side, I'm sure he'll have everything sorted by the end of the season."

Meanwhile, Gaizka Mendieta's agent has confirmed that his client is considering a return to Spain in January.

Earlier this week, Southgate hinted that the midfielder could be allowed to leave Boro when the transfer window reopens because of a lack of first-team opportunities.

And Mendieta's agent, Alberto Toldra, yesterday revealed that a return to La Liga could appeal to the former Spain international.

"There are several options and Boro know the situation," said Toldra.

"The winter market is open soon and a return to Spain is certainly an option. Gaizka wants to play football and, at the moment in England, that is very difficult."