Middlesbrough Football Club

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35049

Nothing to prove - Boateng

14 Mar 2008 - 10:52:17

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Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng claims he has nothing to prove despite being in and out of the starting line-up this season.

The 32-year-old Dutchman has started Boro's last three games after a lengthy spell on the substitute's bench.

The former Aston Villa and Coventry City midfielder had fallen behind Julio Arca and Fabio Rochemback in manager Gareth Southgate's first-team plans.

However, after his reinstatement to the starting line-up, Boateng insists he has nothing to prove to his manager.

He said: "I am what I am. If the manager decides not to play me then that is his decision.

"My performance has always been good.

"I have been here six years and I have had one average season due to injury - and I still took the team to 12th position.

"I have nothing more to answer. Whenever I am on the field, I always give everything."