Southgate is under real pressure amid Boro's poor run of results in late, slumping to a 10-match winless streak which left them third from bottom in the Premiership.

"Gareth will get the time to put it right," said Boro chief executive Keith Lamb.

"We're not panicking and chairman Steve Gibson and I remain confident Gareth is the right man to do it.

"The harder it gets the more determined he is to succeed. He's a fighter and a winner and that's what we need."

The ex-England defender, who took charge of Boro in 2006 despite his lack of experience at the time, brought Egyptian duo Mohamed Shawky and Mido to the Riverside.

However, Egypt striker Mido joined Wigan on loan last week as he struggled to get a starting role in Southgate's roster this season.