Ricketts looking for Boro form

The former Bolton Wanderers star has started just seven games for Boro since his £3.5 million move in January.

Ricketts has struggled with injuries during his time on Teesside and is only now beginning to get back to anywhere near full fitness.

The Riverside faithful have been slow to take to Ricketts, mainly due to the fact he has only found the net twice, but he is hoping to prove his worth.

"I'll certainly try and meet the challenge," he said.

"It's all about form. Wherever I have been I have scored goals and I'm very keen to prove myself here.

"I have never had such bad luck with injuries - I missed all pre-season and have been playing catch-up ever since.

"I'm still not 100 percent but I hope to get back to full fitness in the next few weeks."

McClaren is backing Ricketts to find his form.

"Michael did very, very well in the last match against Villa and did his job again against Liverpool.

"It's not easy being up there on your own but he gave Juninho a bit more space and a smaller forward might have struggled.

"He's getting fitter, will continue to work hard and really it's up to Michael what he wants to do."