After a barren spell with Real Madrid, Geremi Njitap is pleased to be getting first team action with Middlesbrough in the English Premiership.

"I am adapting quickly to English football. It is fast and physical, just the way I like it," said the Cameroon international.

"But the best thing is that I am now playing regularly, which was not the case when I was at Madrid."

The attacking midfielder, who moved to the Riverside this summer, played a part in Boro's 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday night.

He insists his new club can finish in the top half of the league.

"The team has a lot of talented young players and the atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic.

"My personal ambition is to help the club qualify for Europe next season. We have done well so far and will continue to work harder."

Despite a rather disappointing first-round performance with Cameroon's Indomitable Lions at the World Cup, Njitap says the future holds out hope.

"It is a good thing coach Winfried Schafer has been retained. With him, we will bounce back. He has a lot of good ideas."