Emanuel Pogatetz says Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate's approach to the transfer market has transformed the club's culture.

"The time has gone now when we bring players into the club who just want to pick up their wages," said the Austria international.

"Team spirit is really good because everyone is on the same wages. We don't have superstars who earn three or four times more than everyone else so the players are all pushing towards the same target.

"We are all the same age group and have the same interests. Everyone talks to everyone else and that is good for spirit. There are no real stars now who get exceptional treatment.

"We feel like a real group and that is what we need this season. That is where we will be different from other teams.

"What has changed as well is that we only have players here who want to be at the club and achieve things in their career.

"Big name players who just want their wages and don't want to achieve anything - those times have gone. It makes me very proud to be captain of a club with such a philosophy."

Southgate has transformed an ageing squad into one of the Premier League's youngest during his two years in management and Pogatetz has conceded the day's of competing with the likes of Spurs, who they face tomorrow, are over.

"We have spent a few million in the transfer market but we cannot compete with Spurs, who will spend millions on one transfer," he added.

"Hopefully we can prove that our system can work as well and we can also play good football. If we can do that it would be far more enjoyable for the supporters because there will be many home grown players here.

"There is a lot of fuss about Spurs because they have changed a lot of things and brought in a lot of signings.

"We try to do things differently here. We have a good academy system. We bring a lot of young players through the ranks. They could be the stars of the future. Money does not always win you games. Hopefully we can prove that."