 |
|
|
|
BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX
© All written site content is copyright ComeOnBoro.com 2004-2007, unless otherwise stated, and is not to be used without prior permission. |
|
MIDDLESBROUGH v BOLTON - SOUTHGATE: NO ROCHEMBACK ROW
Gareth Southgate has rubbished reports that claim unsettled midfielder Fabio Rochemback has refused to play for Middlesbrough branding the story a "complete fabrication".
There have been reports featuring quotes from the Brazilian's father, Juarez, claiming the player has told Boro that he is no longer willing to pull on the red shirt.
Rochemback senior was quoted saying: "Fabio has decided not to play for Boro anymore. Fabio has told Middlesbrough his decision at a meeting. His future lies in Lisbon and the situation will be resolved next week."
Sporting Lisbon want to bring the midfield playmaker back to the Estadio Jose de Alvalade just 18 months after he made the outward journey from Portugal to Teesside.
While the prospects of a deal being brokered cannot be discounted and Boro would sell at the right price, according to Southgate, reports of a one-man mutiny are simply not true.
He said: "Fabio's never once refused to play. There's hasn't been a meeting, it's a complete fabrication.
"The situation is he has not been involved recently and he's frustrated with that, which I can understand.
"I'm pleased he's disappointed not to be playing. I don't want players here who are happy to be left out."
Southgate has confirmed though that Rochemback will not feature again for Boro until the end of the month.
"It's better that he's not on the field at the moment," he said. "I need players who's minds are fully focused on the job in hand.
"If he remains with us at the end of January he's back in the frame and a big part of this club. If he moves on I will wish him all the best.
"I don't want to keep players at the club who are unhappy but the deal has to be right for the club. There's a lot of factors with any move.
"The most important thing is having a squad of players who are focused on getting a result against Bolton."
Southgate is hopeful that midfielder Lee Dong-Gook will sign for Boro early next week, though arranging a work permit for the South Korean may take longer.
The club have been keeping tabs on Colchester United's highly-rated defender Greg Halford, though they have yet to table a firm offer for the 22-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Boro scouts watched United's last two matches and they have identified the right flank as an area that needs strengthening.
Southgate's most immediate concern is extending his side's unbeaten run to five games.
Boro have yet to lose in 2007, though high-flying Bolton will be a tough nut to crack at the Riverside tomorrow.
"The game is a chance to keep the momentum going. We've had three good results in a row and we are in confident mood," said Southgate.
"The fact that we are winning is pleasing, the strikers are scoring goals and the rest of the team is contributing - that's got to be a good sign.
"We've got to concentrate on our strengths and what we want to do against Bolton.
"This is the start of a tough run for us, but we are looking no further than the Bolton game and have got to get a result against them.
"They are a good side and fifth in the league for a reason, but we know that another win would lift us further up the table again."
Southgate welcomes back Emanuel Pogatetz and Andrew Taylor, who missed Tuesday's 4-3 FA Cup win over Hull due to minor knocks, but George Boateng (knee) will undergo a fitness test before the manager names his starting XI.
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
BACK TO BOLTON MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Sitemap || Search Site || Terms and Privacy || Set as Homepage || Bookmark Site |
| This website designed, maintained and managed by Waking Lion ©2004-2008 |
