Give Alves more time - Southgate

Alves (left) joined Boro from Heerenveen

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has backed striker Afonso Alves to win over the club's supporters following Sunday's draw with Manchester United.

The Brazilian warmed a freezing Riverside crowd with two goals in an explosive performance and Southgate said Alves' best is yet to come.

"We won't see the best of him until next season," he told BBC Tees.

"He looks sharper now, he's adapting. He's been waiting for lift-off really and he got that against United."

Interview: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

Alves' record in Holland with Heerenveen saw him carve out 45 goals in just 38 league games and prompted Boro to break their transfer record to bring him to Teesside.

606: DEBATE I'm very impressed with Alves ChelseaNutt3R

Southgate is adamant the Brazilian international will prove to be value for money.

"We've seen in training that he can finish, that's the biggest attribute that he has," he said.

"He's got pace and he's got good technical ability, but give him those one-on-one chances - he's finished them."