Robert Huth says Middlesbrough's players must be ready to scrap for survival this season.

The Germany defender told Boro's website: "There's no hiding now. We all started on a level playing field and we are in this position for a reason - the facts are clear.

"We have only managed to win five games and we have to do that again if we are to stay in the league. We are struggling so we have to put our heads down and work."

The 24-year-old admitted he had not been sleeping well and is desperate for the club to improve their form.

"It's horrible, you think about it every day. You don't want to be second from bottom, third form bottom or anywhere near the relegation zone.

"It takes up a big part of my life because I don't want to be there. The lads don't want to be there and it's up to us and the manager to get us out of it.

"It doesn't matter who takes the chances as long as someone does, whether it's Afonso, me or Riggsy, but we will stay up - we have to."