GARETH SOUTHGATE believes he has found the secret to getting the best out of talented Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback.

Rochemback had a mixed start to his Boro career after a high-profile move from Barcelona but he is now firmly established in the side.

And Southgate says Rochemback is a "real talent" who just wants to play football and be appreciated.

"Fabio needs to play regularly," he said. "He wants to be out there playing. He's not happy if he doesn't play, but I don't mind that. That shows the right sort of character.

"He knows I want a team that pass the ball and he likes to play in that style. He works hard for the team and clearly feels appreciated by the fans. He likes to feel loved and wanted."

Finding out what makes Rochemback tick has helped Southgate benefit from the player's best form since he came to prominence during a hugely-successful loan spell in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

He said: "It has taken time for him to come to terms with our league, but he is a real talent. Barcelona must have seen some of that talent at an early age to have snapped him up when they did.

"He is a quiet lad and a private person. He is very settled off the field and his girlfriend from Brazil is here with him now. Football is pretty much what he lives for. He is a typical Brazilian in that he just wants to play.

"But his game isn't just about being creative. He is willing to put his foot in and didn't shirk out of anything at Bramall Lane last Sunday.

"That's not the strong point of his game but he is willing to do it and he wants to do it."

Rochemback is likely to keep his place in midfield for tomorrow's visit to Liverpool as Boro look to extend a run that has seen them unbeaten away from home in 2008.