AIYEGBENI Yakubu has pledged his long-term future to Middlesbrough, whether they are in Europe next season or not.

The Nigerian striker has scored 18 times for the club so far this term and, with 13 Premiership goals, he is well on his way to becoming the first Boro player for more than half a century to hit the hallowed 20 league goals mark in the top flight.

Not since Alex McCrae, who scored 21 in the 1950-51 season, has anyone surpassed the benchmark that all centre forwards are measured by.

Boro boss Steve McClaren, who Yakubu believes should be the next England manager, says the 23-year-old has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world and would not be surprised if clubs in the Champions League were courting his services.

Boro were never in the running for a spot in Europe's premier club competition and their only hope of pitting their wits against continental opposition next year is via the UEFA Cup - they are in the last 16 and face Italian giants Roma next week - or via the distinctly unglamourous Intertoto Cup.

Whatever the outcome, Yakubu, who has four years of a five-year deal to go after joining from Portsmouth for £7.5m in 2005, says he is going nowhere.

"If we miss out (on Europe) there is nothing we can do. We have already made mistakes and not done so well but hopefully we can get there again next season," he said.

"I would never think of leaving if we did not get there next season. I would never think I would rather be somewhere else.

"For me, I am happy to be here and I want to stay longer. I have four more years and I hope to see that and beyond."

McClaren hopes so too.

"He is delighted to be here and we are delighted with him," he said. "He has still got a lot to learn and we feel there is no better place for him to learn than here. He has to continue his rise here."

Meanwhile, Yakubu believes the FA should appoint McClaren as England manager when Sven Goran Eriksson departs the post after this summer's World Cup.

The frontman believes the current national team No.2 has all the qualities required for top job and would welcome his appointment, despite what it might mean for Boro.

"Steve would make a good England manager. He has been there for four years as the assistant, he brings experience to the team and he could be the manager," he said.

"When you see the way he talks to the players, they have respect for him."

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