Gareth Southgate says Mohamed Shawky's comments that he wants to leave Middlesbrough are not 'a big concern'.
Shawky has started just nine Premier League games this season and has expressed his frustration at a lack of first-team football.
The Egyptian midfielder admitted over the weekend that he will be looking to quit Boro before his contract expires in 2010.
Boro boss Southgate, who signed Shawky from Al Ahly in 2007, has discussed the matter with the player and his agent.
Southgate appears to be open-minded about the 27-year-old's future at the Riverside as he focus on the task of keeping the club in the Premier League.
"He's got 18 months of his contract left and like all players, if they're not playing much first-team football they have the option to move on," Southgate told the club's official website.
"I've spoken to him and his representative and as usual there are elements of the story that are true and elements that are not true.
"But it's not a big concern to me to be honest."
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