Jelle Vossen - Confidence key to end of Middlesbrough goal drought

Jelle Vossen scored his first goals for Middlesbrough with a hat-trick at Millwall in a 5-1 win

Striker Jelle Vossen said he never doubted his goal-scoring ability after opening his Middlesbrough account with a hat-trick in their win at Millwall.

The Belgian, 25, joined Boro on loan from Genk in September, and had made 12 appearances for the Teessiders without scoring before Saturday's 5-1 victory.

Vossen had scored 49 league goals in 108 games in Belgium for Genk.

"I knew my biggest quality was to score goals and I tried to never hesitate," Vossen told BBC Tees.

"The longer it takes the more difficult it gets.

"I was always working 100% to get the in the team, and it was up to me to take the chances.

"I could have seven or eight goals if I'd had some luck, and hopefully this can free me."

The Belgium international could have had more goals against Millwall on Saturday had it not been for a fine early save by Lions goalkeeper David Forde.

Vossen's first was a swivelling volley from a long Ken Omeruo pass, while the second and third goals were reactive finishes following good work by fellow forwards Patrick Bamford and Adam Reach respectively.

"It was a brilliant game for me," Vossen added.

"I had a header that was saved on the line and I thought 'no, not again' but after that I was able to score three goals.

"The lads and the staff kept giving me confidence and I knew when I got one the rest will follow."