GEORGE Boateng is desperate to prove his worth to the Middlesbrough faithful as soon as possible.

The battling midfielder could not have made a bigger first impression on his new employers following his £5m switch from Aston Villa.

Boateng's encouraging performance - capped off by him scoring Boro's third goal - in the 3-2 win over Alaves at the Riverside on Wednesday has led to the Dutchman hoping to build on his good start at his new club.

And the 26-year-old admits he is just delighted to have his future settled after spending a large part of the summer not knowing where he would be playing his football this season.

Boateng had been tracked by Boro for the last five months, but Villa boss Graham Taylor was reluctant to allow his midfielder to leave.

However, Boateng's wish was granted and now he is focusing on turning the Riverside outfit into a top six side.

''I was glad everything was concluded and I could get on with playing football again,'' said Boateng, who will play his part against Mantova and Modena in the Errea Cup today.

''The game on Wednesday in particular was a good exercise.

''Things are going well now. It's always difficult to settle in when you move clubs and the earlier you start to turn in good performances, the better.

''So far, so good. There is still a long way to go before I can say I'm playing my part in a good team.

"We have only just come together and have a lot of work to do, but wins are always handy and we have been OK in pre-season.

''I want to impress as quickly as I can and I would love to get off to a good start. That always helps you settle in.''

Boateng looks like forming a new look Boro midfield following his arrival along with Geremi and Juninho.

And Boateng is adamant the trio will be able to quickly gel with the rest of the squad.

The former Coventry man also believes linking up with Juninho will be like working with ex-Boro star Paul Merson at Villa.

''Juninho is quick and has good skills,'' he said.

''He has good vision and I feel the partnership between myself and him will be very important for Middlesbrough this coming season. It will be similar, I think, to the way I played with Paul Merson at Aston Villa, where he played just in front of me."

Meanwhile, Boro will play two 45-minute halves back-to-back against Modena and Mantova, the hosts, in Italy today. But McClaren, expected to start with new signings Juninho, Geremi, Massimo Maccarone and Boateng, has told his players to treat the friendly game as a normal game.

* Leeds have agreed a three-year deal with former Boro midfielder Paul Okon.

Okon agreed to make the switch to Elland Road yesterday after undergoing tests and will officially be unveiled as a Leeds player on Monday morning, providing he passes his medical.

Robbie Mustoe, who was released by Boro at the end of last season, also looks close to a move to Derby County.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.