MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Jonathan Greening has admitted he must improve his goalscoring record to break into the England team.

Greening was called up to an England training camp last November but is still waiting to make the step up from Under-21 level.

Since his £2m move from Manchester United two years ago, the 24-year-old former York City player has established himself as a Boro regular but managed only three goals.

"I scored one in my first season here and two last year, so I'd like to get three this season,'' quipped Greening.

"Seriously, though, I'm aiming for at least five goals this season.

"But my main target is to stay in the team and not pick up any silly injuries.''

Greening, who has operated on both flanks and in central midfield, added: "A lot of people ask me if I want to make any particular role my own, but I just train all week and if I'm in the team, that's great.

"Every time I start pre-season I tell myself to work hard and if I play well, the gaffer will pick me.''

Boro manager Steve McClaren has made only one signing this summer, the free transfer return of Doriva who was on loan last season from Celta Vigo.

McClaren wants to add two more signings before the new season kicks off and has lined up a one-year loan deal for Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Flavio Conceicao.

But Greening reckons the emergence of youngsters like defender Andrew Davies and winger Stewart Downing bodes well for the future and could save McClaren money in the long-run.

"We've got injuries to Ugo Ehiogu and David Murphy, but we have some good young players coming through and they might have a chance if the gaffer can't get the players he wants,'' said Greening.

"It would be nice to finish in the top eight, or even the top six, this time. Last year we could have done that if we'd played better away from home, so that's where we need to improve.''

Meanwhile, one of Boro's old guard, 36-year-old former England defender Colin Cooper, has committed himself to another season with the club.

McClaren said: "Colin is an excellent pro and a great servant. He can play at full-back and in the centre of defence.

"He played over 20 games last season and I'm sure he will be well involved again this season.''

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