ALEX Bangura got the Middlesbrough thumbs-up from one of the club's former midfielders before completing his deadline day switch.

And almost a fortnight after finalising his move, the 24-year-old says his "dream is coming true" on Teesside.

Boro tracked Bangura all summer before agreeing a deal to sign the left-sided player from Dutch second tier outfit SC Cambuur late in the window. He arrived on deadline day, was in the stands for Boro's Championship game against QPR the following day and has since enjoyed the opportunity to adapt to his new surroundings during the international break.

He now says he's "ready" and is in contention to make his debut away at Blackburn on Saturday. Bangura is set to challenge Lukas Engel for the left-back spot but is also comfortable playing in an advanced role on the left side.

Bangura is a Sierra Leone international and spoke to his fellow countryman Kamil Conteh - the young midfielder who left Boro for Grimsby Town in the summer after impressing on loan at Gateshead - when he learnt of the interest from Teesside.

"He told me a lot of positive things about Middlesbrough," Bangura told BBC Tees.

"I know Middlesbrough have a big history and a big stadium. I said in my first interview when I signed, everything has given me a good vibe. It's a really big club, a Premier League kind of club with the facilities and the staff and everything around it.

"I'm really happy I'm here."

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The international break has given Bangura the time and opportunity to get his affairs in order off the pitch as he settles into life on Teesside. At Rockliffe, he says he's been welcomed with open arms.

"I came at the right time with the international break," he said.

"I'm happy I've been able to arrange things during the break and I'm ready to be part of the selection.

"The guys are taking good care of me. It's been very easy to settle in because you come into such  a welcoming environment.

"I've already made some good connections and everyday I'm getting to know the boys better and better.

"I've been to the Riverside for a look around. I was there the day I signed and also the Saturday against QPR.

"I tasted the atmosphere and everything around it. I was with the boys so it helped me settle so I'm ready for the next home game."

Boro's next home game is against Southampton a week on Saturday, but Michael Carrick's side first hit the road in their bid to notch their first win of the season. Saturday's trip to Ewood Park is followed by a visit to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday next Tuesday.

Bangura caught the eye in the Dutch league and turned down a chance to join Feyenoord last summer, instead making clear his preference was a move to England. He had moved into the final 12 months of his contract with Cambuur.

He said: "It's always been a dream for me to come and play in England. I'm ready for it and I'm excited to start.

"It's a bit different from the Dutch league with the amount of games but I will get used to it. I need to give myself some time to settle in but I'm excited.

"I love to play football. I'm a very positive guy and I'm so happy to be here. My dream is coming true. I'm living the dream."