MIDDLESBROUGH'S George Boateng has already set himself a double European target for next season.

The self-proclaimed midfield destroyer has just finished his first season with the Teesside club, which left him with mixed feelings.

The 27-year-old suffered a series of injuries, but when he did play he proved to be an essential part of the Boro engine room.

And Boateng is hoping for a better 2003-04 campaign and he is determined to earn himself a place in Holland's Euro 2004 squad in Portugal next summer.

"Every season I've been in England I've progressed and that is the only season that I would say I haven't progressed as much I would normally do," said the former Aston Villa and Coventry City man, who arrived at the Riverside in a £5m deal last summer.

"I haven't stood still, I've learned a lot this year in terms of playing and achievement and working with a whole new staff and players.

"But I have to raise my game and I'm confident I can do that at Middlesbrough.

"I know there's a European Championship at the end of next season and I've got my eye on getting into the Holland squad for that." And Boateng has earmarked experienced Feyenoord star Paul Bosvelt as the weak link in the Dutch set-up and the English-based player is ready to claim his place.

"I'll be 28 by then (Euro 2004) and this opportunity is there for me to grab now," Boateng told his own personal icons website.

"The player I'm competing with, Paul Bosvelt, is getting old so it's all in my own hands.

"I have to perform really, really well and then the manager's got no choice but to pick me. I just want to be selected to go to Portugal and then when I get the chance I'll take it. That's what's on my mind."

But Boateng's aim for his country runs parallel with his dreams of success at Boro.

And the Ghanaian-born tough-tackler believes McClaren can help him lift some silverware in England and earn a place in the UEFA Cup. He said: "Steve McClaren can help me fulfil my dream of going to the European Championships, and it's something that we've talked about. He knows what I want to achieve.

"As for Middlesbrough, we want some real success next year, and that means getting into Europe and winning a Cup."