ANDREW Taylor prepared for the Tees-Wear derby by insisting Middlesbrough have the squad, talent and ability to establish themselves as a top ten Premier League side.

Boro had been tipped by many to struggle this season. But after crashing 3-0 at West Ham last week they have the perfect opportunity to turn things around when Sunderland arrive at the Riverside tomorrow.

Victory would see Boro cement a place in the top ten for the first time this term - a place Taylor believes they belong.

He said: "We have the capability of becoming a top ten side. The one or two additions that we have made makes sure that we are well covered for injuries and suspensions. We have a decent squad and with the young players we have coming through and we are more than capable of climbing into the top ten and staying there."

There has been much said about the dwindling crowds at the Riverside this season and Jonathan Woodgate got involved with the debate this week believing cost plays a major part in the low crowds.

But while the club have to be competitive and profitable at the turnstile, they believe they can compromise by giving fans value for money by playing attractive football.

The 21-year-old defender said: "Since he (Southgate) has become the manager he has tried to instil into us that he wants us to become an attacking team.

"Last season was a learning curve for him and for the young players. This season is more about playing interesting and attacking football."

Tuncay Sanli was one of the flair players brought in by the Boro boss to help rid the club of its negative reputation.

It's fair to say the Turkey international has not set the Riverside on fire yet but it is early days.

There were rumours, however, that Tuncay had failed to settle on Teesside and was looking for a move back to his home country. But Southgate dismissed this speculation as unfounded.

The Boro manager who is likely to pair Tuncay up front with Mido against Roy Keane's side, said: "It's nonsense, so I am not prepared to be distracted. I saw these supposed quotes from Tuncay a couple of weeks ago and asked him about them. There is no truth to them.

"He is committed to the challenge. His reaction to the game last Saturday certainly didn't suggest to me someone that wasn't 100 per cent committed.

"He has been a substitute for some of our early games, but there is every chance he will be playing against Sunderland.

"The truth is that we have been delighted with him and I am sure he will be a big success."