MIDDLESBROUGH manager Aitor Karanka has challenged wantaway star Gaston Ramirez to prove his quality.

The midfielder had been courted by Premier League relegation rivals Leicester City, but the Foxes failed to prise the Uruguyan playmaker away before the transfer deadline window slammed shut on Tuesday night.

Ramirez has not played for Boro in recent games due to injury and his creativity has been missed.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday's trip to Spurs, Karanka said: "He is with us, recovering from his knee (problem) and I hope he can be with us next week.

"He has been important for us and I hope he is important for us in the future. I'm hoping he will be with us Monday or Tuesday."

On whether he can rediscover his form after all the speculation surrounding his future, Karanka said: "The best is for him to play, the best is for him to show everyone how good he is to play."

Boro brought in Adlène Guedioura on Tuesday from Watford, but Karanka missed out on high profile targets, Jese Rodriguez, Robert Snodgrass and Bojan Krkic.

"After every transfer window I always say it is the best squad in the world I have and it is easy to say that when you have worked with these players for the last few years," he said, looking on the bright side. "They always do their best and, again, they are the best in the world."

On Guedioura, Karanka said: "I think he can play, he has played in ACN (Africa Cup of Nations) and we have played against him a few times. He has played in the Premier League and he wanted to join us, so is important."

Jordan Rhodes protracted move to Sheffield Wednesday was finally ratified on Wednesday and despite not favouring him throughout his time at the club, Karanka nevertheless praised the player's attitude.

"Jordan needed to go to play first team football," he said. "I tried to convince him to stay here in the summer, at least to try to see if he can play here.

"His attitude has been amazing every single day and hopefully he will be a success in the future. He is a really good lad."

Karanka's own happiness at Boro was the subject of speculation following a tetchy press conference recently.

However, the Spaniard said: "I have always been happy here for three years. We knew it was going to be a tough season."

Boro are searching for an elusive win that will put breathing space between themselves and the other sides at the bottom. Spurs will provide a real test of their resolve on Saturday evening.

Said Karanka: "I am just focused on the following game. We could think we could lose to Tottenham, Everton or beat Palace, I think it would be a mistake to look at the table and beyond more than one game."