Hoyte has been impressive since joining Boro from Arsenal in August

Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte has backed supporters to continue their strong support of the side regardless of the club's disappointing form.

Hoyte is a newcomer to the Riverside but believes the support the team has been given on Teesside will help them reverse their four game losing streak.

"We thank the fans for getting behind us and being with us right until the end," the 23-year-old told BBC Tees.

"The fans really push us forward and cheer us to the end."

Saturday's opponents Wigan Athletic have begun the season well and with Egyptian striker Amr Zaki plundering six goals in seven games, Steve Bruce's side have had no problems finding the net.

Conversely Boro have struggled in front of goal, having scored just six goals throughout the entire side and former Arsenal full-back Hoyte is puzzled by their Premier League goal drought.

"I don't know, opposition defences seem to be defending great, we're creating all the chances and playing fantastic football but not scoring the final goal," he said.

"It's unfortunate, as we're conceding goals at the other end, but at least we're creating chances.

"As defenders we have to keep a clean sheet in games and we'll be doing a lot of defending."