BEN Gibson believes a strong sense of togetherness is behind Middlesbrough’s recent form, and the young defender is keen to build on a good start to the domestic season by helping England’s Under-21s qualify for next summer’s European Championships.

Boro stretched their unbeaten run to seven with victory over Fulham at the Riverside on Saturday with Aitor Karanka’s men sitting one point off the top of the Championship.

Such form has enhanced the Teessiders’ promotion credentials and Gibson has revealed a strong spirit within the camp has been a major factor behind their promising start.

“The club is flying and the start to this season has been brilliant to be part of,” Gibson told thefa.com. “We have a great squad and you can see how together everyone is.

“Even the subs are as happy as those on the pitch when we score. There's a real togetherness and we're united.

“We feel we can really achieve something this season and it's about time this club got back in the Premier League where we belong.

“That's what it's all about. We need to get this team back in the top flight.”

Gibson was named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Young Lions’ crucial two-legged play-off with Croatia with the first instalment at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium on Friday before the return leg on Tuesday.

The Nunthorpe-born defender has been a regular in Southgate's squad as they finished top of their qualifying group, but admits he still gets excited every time his country comes calling.

He said: “Now I'm back on international duty, my focus turns to this and we all feel we need to get into the Euros - and then be successful when we get out there.

“I'm still like a little kid at Christmas to be honest. I was talking to Cauley [Woodrow] who was on Fulham's bench, and I can't wait to meet up and work with the lads this week.

“They're a real good bunch, all the staff are fantastic and I can't wait for this week. It's not just the banter and fun, the training is brilliant. The standard is really high and it brings out the best in me.

“I feel a little bit [like being a squad regular], but you can never take your place for granted.

“You're playing with and competing against the best players this age in the country, so I'm delighted again to be called up and it's something myself and my family are really proud of.

“I've made no bones about it, I love being part of it and enjoyed every minute I've been involved - long may it continue.”

The Young Lions head into this week’s qualifiers in a confident mood after finishing 12 points clear at the top of Group 1, and Gibson insists the team won’t taking their foot of the gas as they look to secure their place at next summer’s tournament in the Czech Republic.

“It all boils down to this, two massive games that are high-pressured,” the Boro youngster said. “We have to get through and make sure we are at the tournament next summer.

"We are going out to win both games, and it's a really exciting week.”

Gibson was an unused substitute in Boro’s 2-0 win over the Cottagers on Saturday, although the defender has already helped his side keep three clean sheets this term.

He faces more competition to win a place in Southgate’s starting XI, but even if he isn’t successful, the 21-year-old is happy to take as much as he can from the experience.

“For me personally, I learn every day whether I'm with England or Boro. I'm learning a lot, and I've got to keep making myself a better player if I'm to get where I want to be in my career,” Gibson said.

“To have this opportunity to play with these players, and with some of them having already played in the senior squad, it's something I relish.”