GEORGE BOATENG last night called on his Middlesbrough teammates to pump up the workrate and "fight'' to halt their alarming slide.

As they prepare for Sunday's visit of Everton, Boro are second bottom with only one point from their first five Premiership games this season.

Manager Steve McClaren has threatened sweeping changes and Holland midfielder Boateng admitted: "We have to step up another gear in terms of workrate.

"We have to compete, win balls and tackle. We can play football - we have shown that - but in England you sometimes have to fight first before you can play football.''

Boateng congratulated McClaren on the signings of Danny Mills, Gaizka Mendieta and fellow Dutch international Bolo Zenden - and welcomed the return this weekend of Franck Queudrue from suspension.

The French left-back is set for his first appearance this season after a five-match ban.

Boateng said: "I'm really happy with the way we've added quality to the side since last season, and now Franck is back, that will give us a lift.

"Everybody was critical of the manager during the summer for not making signings, but that's all forgotten now.

"The signings show how ambitious and determined the manager is. People see the names on the team sheet and know we have good players. I believe we will get stronger as the season progresses.''

Boateng confessed he is still short of full fitness after close-season ankle surgery.

"I'm only maybe a match or two away now,'' he said. "I'm looking forward to being fully fit because, when I am, I don't fear anybody in the Premiership.''

* Boro have refused to comment on reports that reserve-team coach Mark Proctor has left the club.

The former Boro and Sunderland midfielder was promoted from Under-19 coach in the summer when Steve Round stepped up to the role of attacking coach with the first team.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.