GARY Megson has been impressed by the rebuilding job done by his opposite number at the Riverside.

Gareth Southgate has undeniably put his own stamp on Middlesbrough since taking over the reins from Steve McClaren in May, 2006.

Some billed it as an impossible job, coming as it did on the back of unprecedented success in the Carling Cup and UEFA Cup.

But ahead of the weekend duel on Teesside Megson has given the former England international credit for keeping a steady ship during the last two seasons while continuing to blood young local players.

“Gareth is a good lad and he has done a good job at Middlesbrough,” he said. “This season so far has been up and down but they certainly seem to have the momentum at the moment. They had some great results at Aston Villa and against Manchester City and now with some more experience under their belt, their younger players seem to be doing really well for them.”

For more on this story see Friday's edition of The Bolton News