GEORGE BOATENG wants reassurances over his long-term value to the Middlesbrough cause ahead of a summer that could herald the end of a six-year stay on Teesside.

The Dutch midfielder's focus today will be on claiming the three points against Portsmouth that would preserve Premier League status for a further year.

But, once the remaining two matches are out of the way, Boateng will concentrate on a close-season that could lead to his departure.

With the relegation fight far from won, no plans are scheduled between the former Aston Villa midfielder and manager Gareth Southgate.

However, there will be a determination on Boateng's part to thrash out his future given how it appeared he was no longer part of his manager's plans earlier this year.

In January he was dropped from the squad ahead of an FA Cup date with Bristol City after a training ground bust-up with Southgate following his omission from the team that faced Everton on New Year's Day.

A calamitous run of form - in which Fabio Rochemback and Julio Arca appeared to lose the understanding they had built up - led to Boateng being recalled.

He has one year remaining on his contract, although having had the chance to sign for Celtic, Tottenham and Sunderland in January, he would prefer to be sold if he was going to face similar disappointment next season.

"Will I be here next season? I don't know," said Boateng.

"But in all honesty, I don't want another year like this. For somebody like me, who has been in the rise of the club for five years, being a major part, then going to being second, third choice and sometimes no choice, as well as having the pride I had in being captain, has been hard.

"There is the possibility that I might leave but I am not saying I will leave. If you are not in my shoes, you cannot feel how I feel, especially if you are very competitive like me.

"I don't want to be here and pick up heavy wages and don't do anything. I would rather leave. It is because I want to achieve in life. If I am not playing or not happy, I am wasted."

Boateng turns 33 in September, but is convinced he is still worthy of a place in Middlesbrough's team. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Gary O'Neil and Rochemback, there is clearly a need on Southgate's part to sort things out.

"What I am saying is if the decision comes and I have to make it, I will make it," said Boateng.

"This place has been a major part in my career and my life. If I leave it will be hard.

"I have two daughters, one born in Stockton, one in Middlesbrough.

Regardless of what happens, this place will always be special. If it was up to me I would rather see out the remaining year here and enjoy it, like it was before. If it will be a season like this, I would rather move on."

Another who could be on the move permanently is Chris Riggott. Today, though, he is in line to make his first appearance of 2008.

He has been recalled from a loan at Stoke, where he has helped the Potters' promotion bid, amid fears Emanuel Pogatetz will be absent with a calf problem.

The Austrian did not train yesterday and manager Gareth Southgate looks certain to include Riggott at the heart of his defence alongside David Wheater - provided Pogatetz does not pass a late fitness test.

With Robert Huth struggling to overcome a foot problem that has kept him out of action since March 15, Southgate felt it necessary to end the loan.

Riggott has not figured for Boro since the draw at Bolton on November 11 and he looks certain to leave this summer. But a 24-hour clause in the terms of the arrangement with Stoke has allowed him to be recalled.

It is a blow to Stoke, who have been playing the former Derby man at right-back for the last three matches of his nine-game stint at the Britannia Stadium.

He would have been involved in Stoke's final match with Leicester tomorrow, where victory would clinch a place in the Premier League for Tony Pulis' side.

It would also herald a bid for the player's services on a permanent basis.

Now, though, Riggott will figure in a match made crucial for different reasons, with Middlesbrough in need of the win over Portsmouth that will preserve top-flight status for a further year.