STEVE McCLAREN has been backed by Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng to get it right in the transfer market.

The Boro boss has been frantically trying to tie up a deal for a number of midfield targets this summer following the departure of Geremi, who was only on a season-long loan deal at the Riverside.

Inter Milan star Stephane Dalmat is still McClaren's number one transfer target and the club are still hopeful of securing a loan deal for the player, despite talks initially breaking down this week.

Boro made their move for the Frenchman after failing to land a host of other star names.

As well as Geremi - who has since joined big-spending Chelsea - David Dunn, Trevor Sinclair, Brett Emerton and Flavio Conceicao have all gone elsewhere.

But Boateng is convinced McClaren will be able to draft some new blood in before the start of the Premiership campaign on August 16.

"We've missed out on a few signings for midfield places this summer and I'm not worried by that," Boateng told his personal website. "But it would have been really beneficial if we'd attracted someone like Sinclair, Dunn or Conceicao.

"The manager knows what he's doing. He won't buy just for the sake of it, he'll only buy someone who can really strengthen the squad.

"If you look at Chelsea last year they didn't buy anyone and they got a Champions League spot.

"We've lost Geremi and Luke Wilkshire but we've brought in Doriva. So, like I said, it's not a worry. Our team spirit and hard work will drive us forward."

Boateng is hoping to play some part in Saturday's friendly clash with Italian outfit Chievo after restarting training.

The Dutchman has been sidelined after undergoing an operation on an ankle injury and the clash could come just too soon for him to be involved.

Meanwhile, McClaren has backed striker Noel Whelan to make the most of his switch to First Division Millwall.

The 28-year-old has joined the Lions on a season-long loan after being unable to command a regular first-team place at Boro.

McClaren said: "Noel carried out a significant role for us when I first came here by scoring some crucial goals.

"Unfortunately, he has been unlucky with injuries, which has held him back, and I could no longer guarantee him a regular first-team place.

"At the age of 28, he needs to be playing first-team football and this is a good move for him. I wish him all the best at Millwall."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.