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 their 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.”

Megson picked out French midfield playmaker Didier Digard as the pick of Southgate’s summer signings, which also included Dutchman Marvin Emmes and former Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte.

And considering experienced hands such as George Boateng, Mark Schwartzer, Luke Young, Mark Viduka and Yakubu have headed in the opposite direction under Southgate’s two-year tenure, their current league position of eighth looks all the more impressive.

“A lot of people thought they would struggle to cope without Mark Schwartzer, but the two young lads, Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull, are doing very well in goal for them,” Megson said. “However, that’s at the moment and it can change quickly for the good, and also for the not-so-good.

“We showed that ourselves. We were bottom of the league then two wins later we were 10th.

“They brought Alfonso Alves in for £10million and brought Mido in on big bucks but there was a statement made several years ago that they would bring their own players through, and they have stuck by that.

“At that time they had one of the best academy facilities around, and now that has enabled them to bring through people like Stewart Downing, Andrew Taylor, Adam Johnson and David Wheater. The club looks well-run by Keith Lamb, the chairman Steve Gibson is an absolute diamond and Gareth is a good lad, so all credit to them.”

Megson earned arguably the most important win of last season at the Riverside in April, when Gavin McCann’s goal was enough to put Premier League safety back in Wanderers’ hands. It is a performance the manager is looking to replicate.

“We think we can go there again and get something,” he said.

“They are on a crest of a wave at the moment and I saw them last week against Everton and thought they did well. They have got some class performers, look organised, they all work hard for their place in the team so it will be a big test for us.”