FRENCH full-back Franck Queudrue insists it is only a matter of time before struggling Middlesbrough climb away from the relegation zone.

Saturday's defeat to North-East rivals Newcastle United condemned the Teessiders to a place in the bottom three, despite enjoying much improved performances of late.

Two Premiership wins in succession, against Everton and Southampton, had helped Boro forget their dreadful early season form - where they failed to pocket three points from any of their opening five League fixtures.

However, losing to Newcastle has seen Boro - who have now lost two in succession - drop back into the mire.

But Queudrue is convinced Boro can soon start to find the results which he claims their performances have deserved.

"We are not concerned about relegation," said the former Lens man. "We have a good team and I believe in this team.

"I really believe we just need a bit of luck. We have things to work on in training and we will start again. What's happened against Newcastle will be forgotten.

"I think we are stronger as a squad this season. We have some great talent and now we just need to improve our performances.

"It is hard at the moment because we have played really well against Leeds, Chelsea and now Newcastle at home and lost them all.

"But we are working hard and that is why we will keep going and that will get us out of the relegation zone."

Had Boro made the most of their positive opening spell against the Magpies, all the points could have stayed at the Riverside.

But a mixture of poor finishing from the hosts and incredible goalkeeping by Shay Given, meant Steve McClaren's side failed to score for the fourth time this season.

And defender Queudrue, who looked the most likely Boro player to score, admits they are in desperate need of more goals - not just from the forwards.

"We are playing well and not only me," said the 25-year-old.

"The team is working hard and playing well but we are not doing the most important thing which is sticking the ball in the net when we get chances in front of goal.

"In our position we have to keep going.

"The good thing is that we are actually creating chances, we just aren't taking them. I think we just need a bit more luck and we will win a game.

"The chances are falling to all of us not just the strikers, and I know I had a couple of decent opportunities to score.

"Sir Bobby Robson has just walked past me and said he was glad I missed the target but at least I was in a good position.

"Some times it happens like that. Bramble missed the ball and I was a bit surprised by that so it just hit me on the head and went over the bar."

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