Pogatetz eyes Spurs return

Middlesbrough defender Emmanuel Pogatetz has earmarked the match at Tottenham for a possible return following a summer knee injury which has prevented him from making a single appearance this season.

The 24-year-old is due to return to full training next week, with the match at White Hart Lane on November 3 a possible target for the Austria international.

Pogatetz, who moved to the Riverside from FC Aarau in June 2005, said: “I have been out for a long time and I can’t wait to be back.

“I’m full of energy and we will see.

“The most important thing is the next two weeks training. If I can keep up with the players then the manager will pick me.

“Tottenham is possible for me but players always want to play and it’s up to the manger.

“If he doesn’t think I’m ready when I’m training then I won’t play.

“But there is definitely a chance I could be available for that.

“Things are going well and positively.”

Pogatetz has also learned he will not miss any games during Euro 2008 in his home country and Switzerland as feared.

It had appeared that a red card he received against Northern Ireland in 2005 would see him miss part of the finals but he has now been told he can serve the ban during friendlies.