Middlesbrough boss is gunning for Aston Villa
"But they have to lift themselves while there is still a chance, we have to keep going.
"We have a lot of proud young kids in our team, but they are still very raw.
"They are desperate to be involved in a winning side, and they have still a chance to do that.
"Monday's pain will take time to heal, but we have to give our supporters two final performances to be proud of.
"We have to win on Saturday and we have to make sure we are ready.
"It's our job as coaches to make sure they are fully primed for the Villa game.
"It's still possible, however slim the prospects. If we beat Villa, then we will take it to the last game of the season at West Ham. Then who knows what will happen?
"We owe it to the fans to put on a performance against Villa, do everything possible to win the game, and keep ourselves in the melting pot."
To add to Southgate's woes, it was yesterday confirmed he will be without record signing Afonso Alves due to a metatarsal fracture following a tackle from Nicky Butt during the defeat to Newcastle.
A frustrated Southgate added: "It's the way our luck has gone over the last week or so.
"Afonso was selected on merit for the derby game, and I thought he was looking bright and lively before he was injured.
"Losing him is a big blow, but we have to carry on. It means that somebody else will have the chance to try to get us the goals we need."
The club, meanwhile, are planning a pre-season trip to Australia, with one game already arranged with FC Sydney on July 18 or 19, and with the hope of scheduling another.
