Boss focused on new faces.

Byline: Eric Paylor

Gareth Southgate today revealed his determination to bring in at least one new face this month - even if there are no outgoings.

The Boro boss is looking for a striker and a midfielder, and sent assistant boss Malcolm Crosby to watch Hibs duo Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson in midweek.

Hibs' asking price may yet scupper any hopes of Southgate doing a deal if his interest in the Scottish Under-21 internationals persists. However, the Boro boss has stressed that he could improve his squad this month even without trimming back the numbers.

And it looks as if midfield remains the priority area.

Southgate told the Evening Gazette: "I think there is some money available if the right player becomes available.

"But we are in a position where we need to balance the books.

"I am comfortable with the position I have got and, in terms of numbers, I know our squad is too big. We have players here who haven't played much first team football this season.

"It's our responsibility to get the best out of the players we have got but then you always want to strengthen with extra quality if you can."

Southgate has revealed that he has not yet made a written bid for any of his targets.

He said: "We have had discussions with a couple of people and we will have to wait and see what develops.

"It's always difficult to know how long things will take and one thing you don't have when you've only got a month is time on your side.

"So we have to be realistic. It's difficult to do business but we will try. You always want to bring new faces in if you can."

Southgate has suggested that if he doesn't make any additions to his squad, it won't be a disaster.

He said "I am pleased with the way the squad is developing.

"If we reach the end of the month then I will have no qualms about continuing with the current squad as long as they continue to show the same attitude and character.

"The one thing I won't be doing is making changes that are purely designed for the short term.

"We will only do things that will help the club and improve the squad for the long term."

Southgate has reiterated his determination to hang on to Mark Viduka, who continues to be linked with interest from West Ham and elsewhere.

He said: "Mark has been terrific for us this season and I have no interest in trying to move him on.

"I have said to him that we would like him to stay beyond this season. That's what I'm looking towards."

Emanuel Pogatetz, meanwhile, is happy to have shed his "Mad Dog" nickname and reputation.

The Austrian, who's been a revelation at centre-back this season, said: "Last season was my first over here and I was very excited to play in the Premiership.

"Maybe sometimes I went a little bit over the limit, but this season I am calmer. I knew what I had to expect and I concentrate more on the game now than on other things.

"That nickname is in the past now. I have improved into a new player, a better player, I think.

"I am the person I am. I am naturally a defender and a defender has to be hard, you cannot be soft. But you have to know what your limits are and I am doing that this season so far."