The 32-year-old midfielder has found himself a peripheral figure in recent weeks with new captain Julio Arca and Brazilian Fabio Rochemback manager Gareth Southgate's preferred choice in the middle and Stewart Downing and Gary O'Neil holding down the wide berths.

Boateng returned to the starting line-up for Wednesday night's 1-1 draw at former club Aston Villa, which might have been even better but for the penalty decision that allowed Gareth Barry to drag the home side back into it.

The Teessiders head for Arsenal sitting 12th in the table and five points clear of the drop zone, although Boateng knows there is still work to be done and is ready to put in his shift.

He said: "I have nothing to prove. I am what I am, if the manager decides not to play me, that is his decision. My performance has always been good.

"I have been here six years and I have had one average season due to injury - and I still took the team to 12th position. I have nothing more to answer. Whenever I am on the field, I always give everything."