FRANCK QUEUDRUE has been true to his word after vowing to clean up his act.

The Middlesbrough left-back was the only Premiership player sent off three times last season and his dismissal at Bolton on the final day meant he missed the first five games of the current campaign.

But Queudrue has served only one suspension this season for accumulating five bookings after listening to the advice of Boro coach Steve Harrison.

"I've been pleased with the way things have gone this season,'' said the Frenchman. "I've improved my discipline and I'm very pleased with that.

"I had discussions with Steve Harrison about it at the start of the season, and I think I'm staying on my feet much more now when I tackle.

"I need to keep at that level because I haven't had a red card this year. I accept I make mistakes sometimes, but I want to keep my record.

"I've only missed one game through suspension this season - the game at Newcastle - and that's a big improvement.

"It was annoying missing games. Nobody wants to miss matches - especially a derby like Newcastle.

"The main reason I came to Middlesbrough in the first place is that I needed to play. When I was with Lens, I wasn't playing very often.

"I came here to play and, after talking with Steve McClaren, I was pleased to hear how ambitious he was and how he wanted to bring in good players and win something. I am part of that now and, by winning the Carling Cup, we've made something happen.

"But we want to keep moving in that direction - we want to keep winning trophies.''

Queudrue believes Boro boss McClaren must maintain the nucleus of his squad as well as bring in fresh faces for the challenge of Europe next term.

And he dropped a hint that Dutchman Bolo Zenden, on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, could be persuaded to extend his stay.

"I think it's important that we keep this team together,'' said Queudrue. "It's good to have stability and not change things around every year.

"We know each other now and we will play even better if we stay together in the long-term.

"It's important to keep the same group, and bring in more players because next year will be tough with the UEFA Cup.

"I don't know if Chelsea want to take Bolo back, but he's told me that he's settled here and he likes the atmosphere in the club.

"I don't think there'll be any problems if we can propose a good deal for him.

"It wasn't easy for him at the start of the season because he hadn't played with Chelsea for nearly a year. It was hard to get back to the very high level he used to play at.

"But he's impressed me. He plays good football and he's a strong, hard runner.

"He's very clever with the ball and I like to play alongside him - I trust him.

"It helps me to have him in front of me because, when I go forward, it's easier for me.

"I know he can play left-back because he played there in the home match against Bolton and was man of the match. When I go forward I know he can drop back into my place. He can play anywhere.''

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