Emanuel Pogatetz has told Middlesbrough he is ready and willing to extend his current contract at The Riverside.

The Austrian defender is currently approaching the end of his third season at Boro and has won many admirers in the North East after making 79 Premier League appearances.

Pogatetz's current contract expires in 2010 but having captained Boro in recent games, the 25-year-old is now looking to stay on Teesside for a prolonged period of time.

"Of course. I would like to be here as long as possible but it's up to the club," Pogatetz told the Evening Gazette.

"I don't know what their plans are. It's not in my hands, and all I can say is I'm very happy here.

"It means a lot when the manager says kind things about me.

"I really like the club and the supporters, I'm really settled at Boro and to captain the club is really special for me.

"If the manager is pleased with me and my performances and the way I captain the team, of course I am very happy about it."