BEN GIBSON knows how important it is to help Middlesbrough back to the Premier League, after all he sacrificed a World Cup chance by staying at the Riverside Stadium after last season’s relegation.

In March last year the talented Teessider was called into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time, raising hopes he could stay in the mix for a place on the plane to Russia this summer.

But he soon realised Middlesbrough’s drop out of the top-flight effectively put paid to such hopes, with the likes of Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Burnley’s James Tarkowski forcing their way ahead of him since.

Middlesbrough and Gibson were aware of strong admiration in him from the Premier League, although clubs with the financial clout to really tempt a sale never really followed up their tentative interest.

Instead the 25-year-old could have considered moves to Stoke City and West Brom – two clubs battling to beat the drop this season – had Middlesbrough accepted offers, so he stayed in the hope of helping his hometown club back up.

Gibson said: “Look that was part of the decision when I was not going anywhere last summer. Once I knew I was staying, I knew I was giving up the opportunity to play at the World Cup. I accepted that 100 per cent.

“Let's face it, a Championship player is not going to get into the England squad, not these days anyway, barring a massive injury crisis. That was something I had got my head around last summer.

“That was part of the sacrifice of staying here and that is the way it is. I wish England the best of luck and look forward to watching them. But I am not naive enough to think that as a Championship player I am going to get in that squad.”

Gibson’s acceptance does not mean he has given up on playing for his country – and the centre-back feels turning in his best performances for Boro and be helping them up can secure his first international cap.

He said: "If we go up, then my England prospects come alive again but I would really have to fight to gain recognition. What I would do is what I did in the first instance.

“I was at the back of the queue then and it will be the same again so I would concentrate on Middlesbrough and I have no doubt if I played the same way I played last time, I could get rewarded with an opportunity.

"I have a good relationship with Gareth Southgate, I get on well with him. I have not spoken to him recently. He is a busy man but I saw him, we'd have a conversation.

“Anyway, that's for the future. I know I have to be back in the Premier League to stand any chance of achieving that. My one aim right now is to go up with Middlesbrough this season.”

Gibson would be a fool not to have considered leaving after relegation, knowing how there were so many clubs keeping an eye on his situation. Middlesbrough were in no mood to sell and he was happy to stay where it all began – unlike players who have pushed for a move.

"I don't think you can regret things,” he said. “Yes, there was interest from clubs but ultimately there is a process and you have to agree a fee with the football club and ultimately, that did not happen. So that was the end of that really.

“A bid never got accepted so it didn't really get started. It was never actually in my hands. I have always maintained other people can take care of that side. I will always give 110 per cent to the cause.

“I’d never be one to sulk or anything like that. This is my hometown club. Everyone knows I love Middlesbrough ever since I was a little boy. Everyone knows I ain't going to be a Gaston Ramirez and down tools.

“You see a lot of players doing that these days. I ain’t going to be a footballer who downs tools. It is unfair on family, fans, club and most importantly your team-mates.”

In a strange twist of fate, it was Tony Pulis who tried to sign Gibson at West Brom. Now the pair find themselves working together looking to go up and, as seems likely, swap places with the Baggies.

Gibson said: "Funny how things happen. West Brom look like they will be relegated and he has ended up here. Football is an amazing game and you have to take every day as it comes so I am not thinking about anything else other than getting promoted here.

“What has been, has been and it's in the past now. Off the back of that, I did not start this season in the form I would have wanted or expected from myself. I have never been party to that type of interest. My situation was a little bit insecure.

“We did not really know what was going to be happening. I had never been party to that and I think that lingered at the start of the season. Since this manager took over, he's seen the best of me again and I feel I am back to playing the way I should be. He's brought out the best in me.

“I'd admit my career is probably behind schedule. I know I had a good season last year, I felt I played really well, I thought the league suited me and I felt I belonged there. I made no bones about the fact I saw myself as a Premier League player."

Gibson knows how important today’s trip to Pride Park is. A victory on their travels would see Middlesbrough climb four points above the Rams with two points remaining and ahead of next week’s home date with Millwall. What if Middlesbrough don’t go up?

He said’ "That is something I have not really thought about. You cross that bridge when you come to it. I am purely focused on Middlesbrough Football Club, Derby away this week and trying to get in those play-offs."