Boateng Future Uncertain

The Dutch midfielder, who still has 12 months to run on his contract at Boro, struggled to hold down a regular first team place last season and suggestions have been made that he could be looking for a move to secure regular first team football.

"With George, it is very similar to this year really. When he came back, I think he expected to be first choice right through the season and it was difficult for him to come to terms with that," said Southgate.

"But he knows if he is here, he will be an important part of the squad. It is whether he wants to be part of the squad or whether he wants a guarantee of first-team football.

"He wants to go away and think over the summer about what sort of options he has, but if he walks back through the door I will be happy because he will be a strong squad member for us."