Gareth Southgate threw the plaudits in the direction of Mark
Viduka as he reiterated his desire to keep the former Leeds striker
at the club.
Viduka inspired Middlesbrough to a crucial 3-1 win over Sheffield
United at The Riverside Stadium on New Year's Day.
The Australian is out of contract at the end of the season and
speculation over his future is intensifying.
"He's been terrific, he's a class act. His hold-up play is so
important, he brings people into it. And he is a leader at the club
as well," said Southgate.
"Mark has as much ability as any striker I played with. He has made
a massive difference to us in this period since he came back into
the side.
"There is a misconception about him that people have because of the
way he runs and the way he moves.
"But not everybody can tear around the field for 90 minutes and
those who do possibly aren't as effective.
"I appreciate what he gives us on and off the field. I have enjoyed
my time working with him as both a player and a manager.
"I want that to continue beyond the end of this season."
Meanwhile, Southgate confirmed that the injury which forced
Jonathan Woodgate to depart in the first half of the win over Sheff
Utd was not a major issue.
"It is just a bang on the leg. It's a crucial position and we
couldn't afford time to let him run it off," he added.