HARD-WORKING Mark Summerbell believes a four-man midfield will work for Middlesbrough this season.

The 24-year-old, who struggled with injuries during the last campaign, is fit and raring to go and he is determined to force his way into manager Steve McClaren's first team plans.

Indications suggest that McClaren is likely to adopt the traditional flat back four, four midfielders and two front-men, and Summerbell (right, in action against Sunderland) is looking forward to the battle for places.

"It is a different style to what we have been playing over the past few years and it means there is an extra place up for grabs," said the Durham-born grafter who was used to playing in a three-pronged midfield under ex-boss Bryan Robson.

"I see it as an opportunity for myself to really work hard and try to make more regular appearances under the new manager,'' he confessed.

"Four across the centre of the pitch is a little different but it is a style that we should be able to come to terms with quite quickly.

"The matches I have played there already have been relatively easy for me to settle into, and I think that it will prove a successful tactic."

Summerbell's main aim over the forthcoming Premiership campaign however is not the new system, but just to stay fit.

Under Robson, Summerbell was given a chance to shine and on occasions he showed what he could do in the centre of the park.

However, he was never able to make a place in the starting 11 his own because he was plagued with a series of injuries.

Most notably there was a persistent shoulder problem that required surgery half-way through last season.

That hampered the temperamental Summerbell's progression as a Premiership star, and he said: "Towards the end of last season I had to wait for the surgeon to give me clearance to play.

"When he finally did I was only able to play the one reserve game against West Ham on the last day.

"But now that problem appears to have disappeared and let's hope it's gone now."

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