George Boateng insists he has 'nothing to prove' to Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate as the Teessiders battle to escape Premier League relegation.
The Dutch midfielder has found himself out of Boro's starting XI over recent weeks as new captain Julio Arca and Brazilian Fabio Rochemback have been favoured by Southgate.
However, Boateng returned to the starting line-up for Wednesday's 1-1 draw at former club Aston Villa and the 32-year-old is now keen to remain in Southgate's first team ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.
"I have nothing to prove," said Boateng. "I am what I am, if the manager decides not to play me 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."