Forest paid Southampton a fee of �500,000 to sign Smith in July 2006

Goalkeeper Paul Smith says he has been impressed with the togetherness at Middlesbrough following his loan move from Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

Smith's debut saw Boro bounce back from a goal down to record a 2-1 win against Derby County courtesy of late goals from Seb Hines and Merouane Zemmama.

"It shows the resilience coming back from a goal down," Smith told BBC Tees.

"From the short time I've been here, it shows how good the team spirit is between the lads."

Smith added: "It could have gone totally the other way after half-time, so it shows how desperate we are to win.

"As the manager said to us this morning, we've got a team of winners that are really disappointed when we don't get a result."

In joining the Teessiders, the 31-year-old has swapped a fight for promotion at Nottingham Forest for the tussle against the drop at the Riverside.

Despite being part of the Forest squad, Smith was told he could leave the City Ground last summer, and has made just four appearances in the last two seasons.

"There's not a lot of difference, from what I've seen, both teams have got good spirit, good young teams, but here we've got a lot of experience," Smith said.

"It's a good balance and a challenge I'm looking forward to.

"For me playing football is what I want to do, as a goalkeeper I think I've got enough experience now."

Smith began his career with Walton & Hersham, and has also played for Charlton, Carshalton, Brentford and Southampton.

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