MIDDLESBROUGH defender Ryan Fredericks revelled in his attacking role at the weekend – and longs for more of the same.

The right-back, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, was given licence to go forward, along with left-back George Friend, as Middlesbrough went on the attack in the 1-1 draw with Watford, and Fredericks admits that it suits his game.

“I’m used to the role, that’s how we played at Spurs in pre-season with the full-backs bombing on,” said the 22-year-old. “I used to be a winger in my early days, so I’m used to it, I’d like to do that as much as possible.

“I make myself a versatile player, sometimes I’ll be more defensive but there are days like this where you can play further up the pitch.

“It is hard on the lungs, especially when you have to track back after losing the ball. That’s how the gaffer wanted us to be set up, I’m happy doing that every week if I get the chance.”

Fredericks was one of four on-loan players in Middlesbrough’s matchday squad, with Watford boasting a similar contingent of players on loan from Udinese.

Boro’s right-back feels that the loan system works well for Championship clubs – as long as they bring team players in.

“I think it’s great for the club and the players,” said Fredericks, who is on loan at Boro until the end of the season. “Obviously, you’ve got to get the right players in, they have to be players that work hard for the team, they can’t just be focused solely on themselves, they have to be team players.

“You’ve got to settle in well and do well for the team first and foremost. Yes, you feel that you have to do well for yourself and further your career, but I’m feeling at home here so I want to do the best I can do here.

“All the loan players have taken to the club well, the fans have got on our side even if we don’t play too well, which really helps. It gives the younger players especially that confidence.

“I’m always in contact with Spurs, I speak to the physios and keep everyone up to date, they make sure I’m not burnt out and what not. I just want to play as many games as possible while I’m up here. “

Boro missed the opportunity to climb to the summit of the Championship with their draw on Saturday, but Fredericks feels it is early days to be concerned about league position.

He added: “I’m not looking at the table yet. I just want to play well in every game and take the points from that. If we play like we did at the weekend we’ll be fine this season.

“Personally, I’d rather we were top three every week, but we’re in a good position where we are, we’re confident that we’re going to be up there come the end of the season.”