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SOUTHGATE REVEALS LEAGUE CUP AFFECTION
Gareth Southgate admits memories of his big day in Cardiff will come flooding back as his Middlesbrough side launch their Carling Cup campaign.
Boro face Coca-Cola League Two side Notts County in the second round of the competition, hoping for the kind of run which brought them glory in 2004.
Southgate, now 35, was captain when the Teessiders defeated Bolton at the Millennium Stadium to claim the first major trophy in their history.
Now manager, both he and his players will have to put those thoughts to one side as they attempt to secure a safe passage to the third round.
Southgate said: "It is a trophy that is indelibly linked with us. It has fantastic memories for everybody at the club.
"It was a wonderful day for all of us and something we all look back on very fondly.
"That run started with a game similar to this one - Brighton at home that year.
"It is difficult to think ahead to semi-finals and finals when you are at this point.
"But they are only four or five games down the road, so if you can get through the first couple of rounds, then the competition starts to open up."
Boro head into the game having recovered from a shock performance in their last run-out at the Riverside Stadium.
The 4-0 defeat by new Barclays Premiership leaders Portsmouth on August 28 left question marks hanging over Southgate's men.
However, they have responded well to secure league draws at both Arsenal and Bolton since.
Those results were in no small part due to the arrival of former England defender Jonathan Woodgate on loan from Real Madrid, although Southgate is happy to share out the plaudits.
He said: "Certainly, the personnel have helped. Everybody can see the influence Jonathan has had.
"But it is not just the back four that has defended well, the midfield has done a great job as well.
"We have worked hard at it and we have had some fruit for our labours.
"But the key now is to keep that solidity and to try to push forward a bit more to create more opportunities going forward."
Woodgate will be rested tonight, with £6million signing Robert Huth likely to make his senior debut after recovering from ankle surgery.
Striker Mark Viduka is back after a knee problem, but captain George Boateng, Stewart Downing, Chris Riggott, Julio Arca and Ugo Ehiogu will all still be missing.
By Bettingzone.co.uk Used with permission.
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