Afonso Alves is convinced he will hit the goal trail for Middlesbrough next season.

"I know I will score goals," declared the striker, who hit 17 goals in just 14 starts in the Dutch and English league combined last season. "I can't say how many, but I am sure the goals are going to happen. That is what I do best.

"When I first moved to Boro I hadn't played for many weeks so it took me time to settle and I had to build my fitness. But when I settled down, the goals came.

"Last season was a little bit difficult, not only for me but for the whole team," added Alves.

"I will be much better in the new season and I'm sure the team will be too.

"The club has been in the UEFA Cup and done great things already and last season I think you could see that we could be good enough to qualify for Europe if we had more consistency.

"From the away match at Arsenal through to the end of the season I think we played well. We improved as a team and I think we will get better again and can push towards the top six."