PAUL INCE leads Middlesbrough into today's game at Everton fearing the worst for his Riverside future and revealing his sadness over the decline of old mate Paul Gascoigne.

Geordie Gazza, who moved to Goodison Park last summer on a free transfer after two traumatic years with Boro, is on the sidelines again and running out of time in his bid to rebuild a crumbling career.

The 34-year-old former England midfielder, plagued by injuries and personal problems, hasn't figured in a competitive game since Bonfire Night last year, and Boro skipper Ince admitted: "It's sad.

"In the last two years Gazza has been injury prone, but it all started with that bad injury in the 1991 FA Cup final; before then he was destined to be the greatest player in the world.

"To see the way it's gone for him now is a shame. I know Gazza, we're good friends and we talk all the time. Football is his life and if he's not playing then he's not the Paul Gascoigne I know. To see him on the sidelines again is upsetting.

"But I know he'll be back. He loves football and he'll do anything to get back playing.''

Merseyside-based Ince, who has only one year left on his Boro contract, was last month the subject of interest from Everton manager Walter Smith.

Ince, also linked with Tranmere and Wolves, has been hailed as an "inspirational character'' and "absolutely vital'' to Boro's cause by new boss Steve McClaren.

But there have been no talks about a contract extension and Ince, signed by Bryan Robson from Liverpool for £1m two years ago, looks increasingly likely to move on a Bosman free at the end of the season.

"There's always going to be question marks over my future,'' said the England midfielder, who will be 34 in October.

"I've got a year left and I'm just concentrating on playing for Middlesbrough. There's been a lot of talk about clubs coming in for me, but nothing has happened.

"When I'm told my services are no longer required, I'll go, but that hasn't happened yet either. As far as I'm concerned, all the talk about me and Everton has been brushed aside.

"I'll just see how the season goes. Travelling here from Liverpool can take its toll, but I've had two very good seasons so it's not affecting my play. The day it does, then I'll make a decision.

"I'd love to stay at Middlesbrough because it's a fantastic club, and hopefully this is the start of something great under the new manager.''

Ince, whose career has also included spells with West Ham, Manchester United and Inter Milan, believes he has another two years as a player but is already eyeing a move into management.

He revealed: "I'm going to take my 'B' coaching badge at the end of this season. It would be nice to have it in the locker. I'm still looking to play for the next couple of years, but I've had a great 15 years in the game, played at some of the biggest clubs in the world and learned a lot under some of the greatest managers, so it would be nice to put something back into the game.''

Former Manchester United No 2 McClaren has hardly made an auspicious start to his own managerial career, with two defeats and no goals.

The loss of Croatia striker Alen Boksic, who picked up a calf injury in the opening-day 4-0 defeat at home to Arsenal, was keenly felt when Boro went down 1-0 away to newly-promoted Bolton on Tuesday night.

But he is set to return today and Ince stressed: "He's a world-class player and if you're going to win games you need people like him in your side.

"The manager has just said we need to stay positive.

"We're a lot tougher this season and more prepared than we were last season. I don't think we'll get into the same relegation trouble as we did then.''

*Bolton and Derby are keen on Boro midfielder Dean Windass, who was dropped for this week's game at the Reebok Stadium

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