Mark Crossley can be excused for feeling frustrated as he continues to kick his heels on the Boro bench.
The Wales international goalkeeper has not tasted a single minute of Premiership action this season, despite playing in 18 games last season, and doing very well.
Crossley has had to contend with the super form of No 1 Mark Schwarzer who went into today's Wear-Tees derby leading the Evening Gazette's star ratings league, which perfectly illustrates what a superb season he has enjoyed so far.
Yet, while it's hard on Crossley, the Yorkshire-born keeper is actually feeling pretty positive - and was annoyed to read reports last weekend suggesting he was looking for a move.
Mark, who still has 18 months of his contract to run, admitted: "I couldn't believe it when I read in the Sunday paper that I was trying to get away.
"So I want to set the record straight. There is no way I want to leave this club.
"Obviously I am missing first team football, especially as I played a lot in the Premiership last season. But I am happy here.
"My family is very settled. There is no reason why I would want to leave.
"First team football is important, of course it is.
"But Schwarz is the pole position and I have to work harder than ever to try to dislodge him.
"I am feeling fitter at 33 than I have ever done in my career. So I just have to do what I can to keep the pressure on."
At the same time Crossley admits that he has a double reason for wanting to do well.
It's not just about pushing hard for try to make the Boro breakthrough. He wants to further his international career as well.
The dramatic upsurge in fortunes of the Wales team over the past 12 months has lifted everybody in the international squad, and Crossley is thoroughly enjoying his stints with his fellow Welshmen.
In fact he has already set his sights on helping Wales to reach the European Championship Finals in Portugal next year.
Mark, who generally understudies Southampton's Paul Jones in the Welsh squad, said: "I played in 45 minutes of the match last week and it was great to be out there.
"I would like to be playing leading up to Wales' European qualifiers so that I am ready to play if called on.
"That Azerbaijan result last week, when they drew against Serbia and Montenegro, was a massive result for us.
"We are four points clear at the top of our group and, if we can beat Azerbaijan at home at the end of next month, we will have a maximum 12 points out of 12.
"That would be a brilliant position to be in at this stage and you'd have to say we would be favourites to win the group.
"In fact there is no reason why we shouldn't when you look at the quality of the squad we have got.
"So, like the rest of the Welsh lads, I've got one eye on Portugal. And why not?"
With both his Boro and his international careers in mind, Crossley is looking to go out on loan somewhere to maintain his general level of fitness.
He said: "Obviously with Schwarz's current form, it's very hard to break into the team here.
"So I wouldn't mind going out on loan if I get the chance.
"You can get a little bit rusty playing for the reserves and I just want to tone up my match fitness.
"I've already spoken to the gaffer about it and he said that it might be possible later in the season."
Crossley has already been out on loan to First Division Stoke City, before Christmas.
But he was recalled to the Riverside Stadium after playing just one game for the Potters when Schwarzer suffered a training injury.
In the event Crossley was not needed for Boro first team duty at that time, so he will benefit for a second loan spell if Boro can find him a suitable club over the next couple of months.
