GASTON RAMIREZ had no doubts about dropping down to the Championship but he would love a Premier League return next season – with Middlesbrough.

The Uruguayan has quickly adapted to life outside the top tier and has won over Boro fans with his performances since agreeing to swap the south coast for Teesside.

His double on Friday night earned Middlesbrough the points that lifted them, temporarily, back to the top of the table with a victory over Wolves.

Ramirez’s man of the match display led to Aitor Karanka claiming afterwards that he would sign him on a permanent basis ‘tomorrow’ if the opportunity cropped up, although he accepted the division could determine whether he stays or goes.

But, to hearten the head coach, the 25-year-old playmaker has hinted he will be open to staying at the Riverside – if Middlesbrough can successfully secure promotion come May.

“Why not stay? I’m enjoying it,” said Ramirez. “At the moment I am thinking about this team and trying to get in the Premier League. We then have to try to think about things. But promotion is the important thing first.

“It is harder in this league because you play Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, so it has been different to get used to. It is harder for that reason and you need a strong mentality.”

Ramirez is out of contract at Southampton in the summer when the deal he signed in 2013 following a £12m move from Bologna will expire and he will become a free agent.

He has struggled to make an impact during his time at St Mary’s, which resulted in him spending last season on loan at Hull.

Ramirez said: “It has been disappointing for me. I have not had the chance to show what I can do on the pitch. The only way a player can show his qualities is on the pitch.

“When you are not playing, how do you do that? If you don’t get the chances then it is difficult to work hard every week.

“I want to prove I can play in the Premier League. I am fighting for that. The thing now is to try to play every game here and help the team towards the Premier League.

“Football is about playing, which is why I moved here. I want to feel like I can play every week. If I am in the Premier League and not playing then I am not a real football player. You have to play to be a player. I am enjoying this.”

The Uruguayan has been helped to settle at the Riverside by compatriots Cristhian Stuani and Carlos de Pena, as well as goalkeeper coach Leo Percovich.

Ramirez said: “Of course it helps when you speak the same language. They have helped me realise how we play so I have adjusted. We have to go up and they have explained that. We have to keep going.

“I spoke with Cristhian when he came from Spain in the summer, he asked me what it was like in a different country a different league. Then I asked him how he felt when he made the move here, and he has enjoyed it.

“When I had the chance to join him I didn’t think too much about it because I needed to play. I wasn’t playing. I want to get better.”

Encouragingly for the Middlesbrough supporters who have already been impressed by his style and talent, Ramirez claims there is still more to come under a head coach he enjoys playing under.

“I am very confident. The manager has given me a lot of confidence and I try to do my best for the team,” he said. “My best position is in the No 10 role and I’m being played there. It is where I am more comfortable. I have no problems playing different areas but No 10 I have more confidence.

“We all need to keep going and to fight with and without the ball. We did that on Friday. I just have to make the most of space that comes along. We know what we need to do to stay top and we will keep going.”

Burnley’s 1-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday means Middlesbrough are second again ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Rotherham.