Southgate backed by Boro chairman

Southgate took over from Steve McClaren in the summer

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has backed manager Gareth Southgate in the wake of stories suggesting he may have to step down from his job.

Southgate does not have the Uefa Pro-Licence coaching badge needed under Premier League rules to be a top flight manager in England.

He was given a 12-week dispensation period to take charge at the Riverside but this runs out on 11 November.

Gibson told The Times: "Gareth is our manager and he will stay our manager."

He added: "To suggest anything else is ridiculous and a fabrication. We're in talks with the Premier League, but all we're thinking about is how to take the club forward with Gareth at the helm.

"After where we we finished last season, we knew it would be difficult this time, but Gareth has got a lot of experience in football and will learn quickly. He already is.

"There's no disenchantment from supporters and certainly none from me."