Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has tipped new signings Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes to break into the first-team next season.

The midfield duo agreed terms with the club last Friday and Southgate hopes to see them play their part in the forthcoming Premier League campaign.

"They've got the ability to break into the team," he told BBC Look North.

"They have to have the belief that they can do that and they will feel that is their ambition, it's a bonus for us."

Midfielder Didier Digard joined Boro from French Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain for �4m, while winger Marvin Emnes came from Dutch Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam for a fee of �3.2m.

Meanwhile Southgate said would not be drawn on the future of experienced midfielder George Boateng.

But he said he believes his side will be strong enough to cope without the Dutchman's presence.

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"We have to have people here that want to be here," he said.

"I'm very relaxed about it, we're young but that gives us an energy and an enthusiasm, it's down to George where he wants to play his football next year."