Irish defender Jason Gavin is ready to answer the emergency call to join Middlesbrough's struggle against relegation.

The 20-year-old defender was yesterday praised for his performance in the 0-0 draw against Manchester City reserves and could be on the verge of a Premiership place.

Gavin was impressive against City's Premier League strike force of Egil Ostenstad and Shaun Wright-Phillips and is bound to be considered for a senior call-up by Terry Venables.

Reserve team coach David Geddis picked out the Republic of Ireland under-21 centre-back: "Jason was outstanding in a strong defensive unit.

"Now it's up to him to knock on the first-team door," he said.

An opportunity could arise quickly with Boro's central defenders affected by injury and suspension.

Colin Cooper misses the test against Southampton on Saturday at the Riverside through suspension. In addition Gary Pallister is not ready to return and Steve Vickers is doubtful.

And, against Charlton next week, Cooper and Ehiogu are suspended.

Gavin could get the nod from Venables, who has been impressed with the defender in training and reserve team matches.

Carlos Marinelli is also on the way back and could be pushing for a starting place alongside Alen Boksic in the Charlton game at the Riverside.

Venables is looking at the possibility of Marinelli filling the role of link man between the midfield and Boksic, in the way Jari Litmanen is used at Liverpool.

The Boro coach, who failed in a late bid for the Finland forward, is a believer in a system he operated when he was England coach with Teddy Sheringham in that withdrawn position.

Boksic looks likely to start against the Saints, though Venables confirmed yesterday the striker still has injury worries.

The £2.5m Croatian has been hampered by groin problems all season but is still the club's top scorer with nine goals. And Venables fears another injury could have serious repercussions for the club, with the other strikers not firing.

"It's not just tiredness, the groin trouble is there as a result of all the games we've played," he said. "All I want to do is play him but you don't want a player of his quality out for two months."

Boksic could be linking up with Argentinian teenager Carlos Marinelli within two weeks.

The 18-year-old striker, who has impressed Venables, played his second comeback game against Manchester City reserves after a two-month injury lay-off.

Meanwhile, Boro midfielder Luke Wilkshire is helping Australia romp through their qualifying group in the World Youth Cup.

The 18-year-old has scored in all three matches, in which they have hit 29 goals and conceded none.

l Boro's home match against Sunderland will be shown on Sky TV on Monday, April 9, kickoff 8pm