George Boateng says he did not move to Middlesbrough to play "relegation football" and admits his side's current struggles are "killing" him.

The club's current plight - they slipped into the relegation zone despite drawing 1-1 at Reading last weekend as their wait for a league win was extended to 10 games - is causing the 32 year old some discomfort.

Boateng said: "I did not come here to play relegation football, if I am really honest with you.

"I have achieved great things since I have been here. It has always been difficult, the Premier League - this is my 10th season and it's never been smooth.

"But to be where we are, it is no over-statement to say it is killing me.

"When I was at Coventry, we had less quality and fewer good players, but through attitude and the right mentality and the manager with his positive approach at that time, we still managed to stay up and had a fine season.

"That's why I am not so worried, because the squad we have here is much better than the squad I had at Coventry."