TONY PULIS might have given Middlesbrough’s midfielders even more competition to think about following the arrival of George Saville, but Adam Clayton insists it is perfect for the promotion push.

Saville’s arrival on loan in a deal that will see him complete a £7m permanent move in January from Millwall, means he has joined a squad already boasting plenty of talent in the centre of the pitch.

Mo Besic was reintroduced to the starting line-up at Leeds United on Friday night when he played alongside Jonny Howson and Clayton, while Stewart Downing is also an option in there and started on the left.

On top of those there was Paddy McNair on the bench as well as team captain Grant Leadbitter, who has lost his place so far this season, and the promising Lewis Wing.

The competition has also increased at the back following the arrival of Wolves captain Danny Batth, while Sam McQueen’s capture from Southampton has added an option on the left side.

Clayton said: “We want the competition for places, that was what it was like when we went up. We had a great midfield.

“We have always had good players, even last year I think our players would have got in any team in the league. Competition is good, you have to play well every week, it’s not a bad thing, so it doesn’t matter how many we bring in.

“I have faced George a number of times, he has a lovely left foot and I am sure he will bed in.

“Sam is a good player, he was one of Southampton’s best players on the day in the Premier League when we came up against him, he will add to our squad. Then Danny, I have played against many times, he’s a good defender and it will be good to see what he is about.”

Clayton initially struggled to force his way into the team under Pulis after he had taken over from Garry Monk in December last year. There were even doubts surrounding his future in the January when he was linked with numerous clubs.

Now, after a man of the match display to help Boro draw at Leeds, the former Huddersfield midfielder believes his manager has found out this season exactly what he is all about.

Clayton said: “I was injured when the manager first came in, Grant is a top midfield player too and he was in. He was playing well and when you get in you have to stay in. I have worked hard to stay in. I will continue to work hard.

“I have played in the Championship for years, I know the requirements to do well in this league. It is about processing what the manager says, I am doing that at the moment and I will continue to until I am told not to.”

Middlesbrough initially struggled to get going under Monk and never looked like contenders for automatic promotion, despite spending plenty money on the transfer front.

This year, though, there is a different feeling, with Middlesbrough level on points with leaders Leeds after an unbeaten six-match start to the campaign, and having not conceded in five matches.

Clayton said: “Playing (for him) feels different for a start to last season. We are only five games in but we have got our togetherness back, we have a really good dressing room and we have had one before, but there is definitely that kick again.

“We have had a good start, we can have a good break and hopefully we can repeat our form after the break. The mentality of the manager is rubbing off on the team.

“You can hear him before games, he doesn’t half get you up for them. We know how to get out of this league, most of us do. We will get some days off, head back and go again after the break.

“The gaffer has been in the game long enough, seen every formation, and he knows how to play the system he wants. We do a lot of shape and defensively, we are starting to really click. I didn’t think they had too many good chances, we will take the point from Leeds and build on it.”