The 21-year-old excelled to such an extent last season that he won a place in England coach Fabio Capello's squad for the post-season friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

However, the Redcar-born player was an unused substitute in both games, and although he may have been a little disappointed not to make his senior international debut, his club manager was privately pleased, if for the best of reasons.

Southgate was delighted with the way Wheater emerged from the ranks amid an injury crisis at such an early stage in his career to command a place in the starting line-up on merit last season.

However, he is challenging him to take his game to the next level when hostilities resume in August.

Southgate told the club's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "It's a challenge for him - I don't think it's anything he should fear.

"He has seen what the league is about, he has proved he can play at this level.

"The thing about becoming a top player is producing it season in, season out.

"Getting a place in the team is one thing - and it is incredibly hard. But it is even harder keeping it, so that's the challenge for him.

"I am pleased in a selfish sense from Middlesbrough's point of view that he didn't get that England cap at the end of the season because he has still got something to strive for and so much ahead of him if he continues in the way he did last season."