Gareth Southgate wants Middlesbrough's fans to cheer his side out of their home slump but he cannot promise any signings to lift their spirits.With the January transfer window now open, Southgate admits he would like to freshen up a squad that has been laid bare by injuries but he will have to wait for the green light from the board before any signings can be made.

Tuesday's 2-0 reverse to Everton at The Riverside, courtesy of second-half strikes from Andy Johnson and James McFadden, was Boro's fifth defeat at home compared to just two wins.

But Southgate wants both players and fans to put all transfer talk out of their heads and do what they can to halt the slide.

"I've no idea if there will be signings," said Southgate.

"I've said to the players that our attitude has to be to stay positive as a group. We can't affect things that are out of our control.

"I've kind of stopped them talking about possible new signings.

"If it did happen it would give everyone a lift but I can't put my hand on my heart and say it is going to happen - we'll just have to see who is available and who is in our price range."

Reflecting on the crowd's role in what could be a tricky second half of the campaign, Southgate added: "The key over the next few months is the crowd staying with us and making it (The Riverside) a place that teams fear coming to.

"We know what needs to be done and as a group they showed lots of character (against Everton) and that's what we'll need between now and the end of the season.

"If I'm honest, I'd like to play the last 17 games in the next six weeks just to see what's going to happen."

One player who could yet have a decisive say in those matches is summer signing Mido, who has been out injured since October but is close to a first-team comeback.

Southgate said: "We're hoping Mido can have involvement of some sort against Liverpool (on January 12).

"We've got to take it step by step and he certainly won't be ready to start, but if we can have him involved in the squad it would be a nice situation."

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