IT is little wonder that in the absence of George Boateng, Middlesbrough struggled to build on their early season good form: winning just once this year before making his comeback from a broken toe at Crystal Palace nine days ago.

And, while the three points may have gone to Arsenal on Saturday, the sight of Boateng throwing himself into tackles and coming away with the ball delighted a Riverside Stadium crowd receptive to the Dutchman's value to the side.

Boro may have been bereft of many first team regulars through injury but, perhaps more than most, Boateng's three month lay-off has been the hardest to bear for manager Steve McClaren.

And the 29-year-old combatant admits, after missing a third of the campaign, he is relishing the opportunity to help the Teesside outfit see out the final games of the season in style - and hopefully book a place in the UEFA Cup again.

"I try to encourage people and show the right mentality. I will not give up until the referee has blown his last whistle," said Boateng, who highlighted the club's game with Fulham as the perfect place to start a winning streak.

"The only way is up because we have had a very difficult game and we always suffer against Arsenal.

"If I can encourage others I will do it. I will be a leader because I prefer to do that rather than do it off the pitch. It is not just about me but all the lads. Maybe they feel more confident when I am on the pitch."

The midfield 'destroyer' tag has often been given to him over the years, not least by himself.

And against Arsenal, after winning the duel with their normally outstanding skipper Patrick Vieira, Boateng believes he showed even his harshest critic he is one of the best around in that holding midfield role.

"I enjoy this type of match and Patrick and me are almost like friends on the pitch now," said Boateng. "I would like to think I need a little more to get to level he is at but he also has quality players around him. I have quality players here but we have to do it more as a team. Arsenal have individuals who can create something from nothing.

"I am not far off but I have lots of respect for him because he is a great player. He is good but once again I have shown I am competitive to fight with him and I feel he is just a little above me. You take him and Roy Keane away, probably Claude Makelele at Chelsea, then maybe I would come next."

Boateng's manager, McClaren, has never hidden his admiration for Boateng and admitted on Friday that the club intend to open contract negotiations with the player soon.

And the boss said: "We had a break recently which allowed us to get players back fit. The break came at a time when we had games left to get back into Europe. We had 18 games without George and he gives solidity, is the link in midfield and we have missed him."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.