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It has taken Mido all of three matches to overhaul his goal tally for Middlesbrough last season, an indication of the traumas that beset his miserable first year on Teesside as well as demonstrating his newfound application. The turnaround is reflected in Gareth Southgate's vehemence that the Egypt forward will not be permitted to leave the club this summer.

Wigan Athletic have been courting Mido, whose perfect scoring ratio this month is even more impressive given that he has started the first two league games on the substitutes' bench. Moving on has been a consistent career trait - Middlesbrough are the 25-year-old's eighth professional club - but Southgate has informed the striker that he is not for sale.

Mido provided the opening goal in Middesbrough's scintillating 5-1 victory over Yeovil Town in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night and, with Jérémie Aliadière, Tunçay Sanli and Afonso Alves competing for a regular place in attack, the club are blessed with attractive options. Keeping players happy will be a challenge, but it is one that which Southgate is prepared to tackle.

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“It's doubtful whether we'll add to the squad before next Monday, but I certainly don't intend to lose any players,” the Middlesbrough manager said. “Mido enjoys it here. The only thing he wants is to play football and he wants to be first choice, but he's also aware no club can guarantee him that.

“I work with him and all the players. The reason he joined is he believes in what we're trying to do here and I think he can still play a big part in that. He's a big crowd favourite despite all the difficulties he had last season.

“He's a good player and we want those here. He's a talent and you want all your players to fulfil their talent. It's time he had a more settled period in his career and was at a club for a bit longer.

“His attitude to not starting has been first class and he's had a big impact from the bench. All the forwards have got different attributes and skills. His ability to win headers and his physical presence is something our other strikers don't have, so it gives me great options. If we want to be competitive through the season, we need that strength in depth.”

Southgate has confirmed that he may seek cover for Brad Jones, his goalkeeper, who has suffered a dislocated finger. “Brad is waiting to see a specialist, but we are optimistic that it is not a major problem,” he said.