JONATHAN Greening has paid tribute to Middlesbrough's crop of continental stars by declaring: 'These boys have proved they will fight for the Boro cause.''

Manager Steve McClaren worked wonders in August when he persuaded Gaizka Mendieta and Bolo Zenden to move to Teesside from Italian giants Lazio and big-spending Chelsea respectively.

The pair, both on initial loan moves until the end of the season, have won over the Boro faithful with a string of fine displays and they were instrumental in the 2-0 win over Bolton on Saturday.

But there have also been impressive performances this season from Italian Massimo Maccarone, Dutchman George Boateng, Brazilians Juninho and Doriva as well as Frenchman Franck Queudrue.

And Greening, aware of criticism aimed at Fabrizio Ravanelli, Emerson and Alen Boksic in previous years, insists all of the club's current overseas players have proved they are not just in England for the ride.

"The Premiership is one of the world's toughest leagues and it's nice to see so many players playing over here. Four or five years ago - and I know the likes of Ravanelli were here - they were maybe not here for the cause," said Greening.

"But the likes of Juninho, Mendieta and Bolo are here now and they are saying they want to stay and that's great.

"Mendieta has come here and always wants to play. He's worked his socks off. He has never missed a game through injury and it's great testament to him.

"I wasn't here when the likes of Ravanelli were here but I see the likes of Mendieta every day in training and it's nice to see the foreign players wanting to play. They don't just want to train and then not play on a Saturday."

Boro's two goals against Bolton mean that they, along with Arsenal, have scored more goals than any other team in the Premiership since the turn of the year.

And Greening, who grabbed the 23rd, believes the club's fortunes in front of goal are down to a new system.

"We are playing much better football with Juninho in the hole and Mendieta in midfield," said the former Manchester United star. "We are trying to attack teams more and, even if it leaves us open at the back, we do try to score more goals. That's been working recently.

"To see banks of four behind the ball all the time looks nice but it isn't always effective and I think we found that out just before Christmas.

"We are passing the ball a lot better and more often now. I think it's a lot more exciting for the fans and it's also a lot more exciting to play in as well."

Now Greening, who was not even on the bench for the Carling Cup final, hopes to help Boro achieve two more important goals.

He said: "It was a big pressure lifted when we won the cup and we want to get our highest position in the Premiership. I don't think there is any reason why we shouldn't because we have got international players who can't even get on the bench.

"The gaffer will strengthen in the summer again and I can only see this club getting better and better.

"We have a chance to get the highest number of points we have ever had (52); we have qualified for Europe and won a cup so if we also finish higher than we ever have in the Premiership (ninth) then we can look back at the end of the season and say it's been a very good season."