SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON shouldn't think twice about including Gareth Southgate in his England squad this summer, according to the man playing second fiddle to the Middlesbrough skipper at the Riverside.

Cool-headed Chris Riggott, regarded by many as Southgate's eventual successor, cannot believe there is any doubt over his club colleague's position in the national team squad.

Eriksson overlooked the 33-year-old for two of England's most crucial European Championships qualifiers with Macedonia and Liechtenstein last autumn.

However, a much-publicised eight-month ban for Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has seriously boosted the Boro star's chances of travelling to Portugal with David Beckham and Co.

Southgate is vying with John Terry, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Matthew Upson for the right to partner Arsenal's Sol Campbell at the heart of the defence.

Next week's friendly with Sweden in Gothenburg could prove the perfect chance for Steve McClaren's captain to cement his place in Eriksson's plans.

And Riggott, who has played nine games alongside Southgate for Boro this season, does not believe there is too much to argue about.

The 23-year-old is convinced his teammate is as good as anyone to fill in for Ferdinand. He said: "I don't think there are any players better. Gareth doesn't reflect the way a lot of centre-backs play because he's not the type to make last-ditch emergency tackles. Sometimes that means he is not noticed as much.

"But that is just a sign of his consistency because he gets into positions early so that he doesn't have to make those all-important tackles. He is a great reader of the game and in my view there aren't many better, if any."

Riggott, a £1m buy from Derby 15 months ago, wants to make his own name on the international scene in the not-too-distant future and he is looking for guidance from Southgate.

"Gareth is someone I look up to because he is the model professional to learn from," said Riggott, a former Under-21 star. "I'm very fortunate to be able to do that on a daily basis. Gareth has been very good to me.

"There are times and places when he will say things to me to guide me in the right places but he knows that it's not as if I'm just growing up as a first-year pro."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Greening has revealed his frustration at having to spend the past few months on the sidelines.

Greening, who played in every league game last season, played his first game since December 28 on Saturday in the 5-3 win over Birmingham.

Despite the win, the midfielder's place in the starting line-up at Everton on Saturday is in doubt, with both Bolo Zenden and George Boateng back from suspension.

And Greening concedes that he does not know what the future holds on Teesside, although he would like to stay.

"Every player is upset when they are not playing," said Greening. "Travelling to games and not being involved on the bench, that was frustrating. I was upset that I wasn't playing, it was hard not being involved.

"I hope I'm still here. Until I'm told any different I will be part of this team next year."

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