OUT-OF-FAVOUR Dean Windass last night admitted he is desperate to make a go of his loan move from Middlesbrough to Sheffield United.

Windass has yet to play in the Premiership this season and he has been looking for a new club.

He joined the Blades on Wednesday and he turned down a switch to Coventry City in the process.

Windass, who is expected to play against Reading for United tomorrow, insists he can make the switch to Bramall Lane worthwhile.

"I had the choice of a couple of clubs, but I spoke to the manager on the phone and he convinced me," said the 33-year-old.

"He was very positive and I hope this can be successful.''

Since former boss Bryan Robson took Windass to Boro from Bradford City, the midfielder-cum-striker has struggled to make himself a first team regular.

But now Windass believes he can make a name for himself again at the First Division high-fliers.

"I've played against Neil's sides a few times during my career and the style of play suits me down to the ground"he said.

"No doubt we will have a few arguments during the month because we are similar characters but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile, Steve McClaren's high-flying Boro side travel to third top Chelsea tomorrow and midfielder George Boateng admits his side face a difficult task.

But, despite the Teessiders' lofty position, the Dutch international does not believe they are certain to enjoy a successful campaign.

However, Boateng is convinced that if Boro are still in a healthy position by the New Year, then Europe could be on the cards.

"We will know how far we can go and what we might achieve after December," he said. "Chelsea is a difficult match, but we're not frightened. Then after that we should have games that we should expect to be winning.

"In December we have games in sucession against Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa, which is going to be a good test for this team. Then we will see."

No doubt Boro's case for a top six finish would be helped if they could get Alen Boksic firing on all cylinders again.

The Croatian, who is known to be wanted by Hadjuk Split when his contract expires next month, has yet to find the back of the net this season. The former Lazio and Juventus front-man admits his failures have annoyed him.

But, in an interview with Boro TV, he insists he is still loving life at Boro and that his teammates are a joy to play with.

"It has been frustrating that I haven't scored yet," said Boksic. "I should score, I've had a few chances, like the one against Liverpool at the end of the game and I should have concentrated more.

"I am very happy, I love the way we play. I enjoy playing in this team. It is nice to be a part of this team because this season we are absolutely smashing."