PREMIERSHIP defenders have been warned to watch out for Middlesbrough's out-of-sorts striker Michael Ricketts next season.

The once capped England international failed to turn on the style for the Teessiders after moving from Bolton in January.

And the burly frontman only scored his first goal for Boro in nine appearances on his return to the Reebok Stadium last Sunday.

Ricketts has struggled with a injuries since switching to the Riverside and has looked out of shape.

But Boro teammate George Boateng is convinced that the 24-year-old forward can recapture the type of form that saw him called into Sven-Goran Eriksson's England set-up.

"There are many reasons that I am confident about Middlesbrough's prospects next season and one of those reasons is Michael Ricketts," said Boateng.

"I feel there's so much to come from Michael when he gets back to full fitness. He's been plagued with injuries since he joined us and has only played one or two games.

"When he's fit next season we'll have a very good striker on our hands - and with him, Malcolm Christie, Massimo Maccarone and Szil Nemeth there'll be tremendous competition for places.

"In training I can see how much ability he has but injuries have prevented him from showing that on the pitch."

And Boateng insists that Boro boss Steve McClaren is the right man to bring the best out of Ricketts when the players return for the 2003-04 campaign.

"Working with a great coach like Steve McClaren he is bound to improve as well," he said. "He's strong, competitive and got a great eye for goal and I feel there is a lot more to come from him.

"The manager obviously believed in him when he bought him, but he hasn't been able to show the Boro fans that yet. I'm sure he will next season."

McClaren has been alerted to the availability of Sunderland's Kevin Phillips.

But, while still looking to boost the quality of his front-line, the Boro boss is looking to add to his midfield.

McClaren is keen on securing a permanent deal for Real Madrid midfielder Geremi, but the Spanish giants demand a big transfer fee.

And the Boro boss, who is also in negotiations with Celta Vigo over loan-ranger Doriva, said: "I think the biggest thing is we lacked experience.

"We had bought younger players and there was wonderful exuberance about our play.

"We do need to bring in some more experienced players though."

Meanwhile, Christie underwent his second operation in less than two days yesterday, having his tonsils removed after hernia surgery.

Boro strike partner Maccarone also went under the surgeon's knife yesterday to repair a minor shoulder injury.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.