Arca welcomes Magpies promotion challenge

29 August 2009 09:12
JULIO ARCA believes that Middlesbroughs rivalry with Newcastle United means Gareth Southgates team cannot relax for a moment this season. The midfield dynamo intends to secure an extended run in the side, starting with todays game at Bristol City. He has lived in the North- East for ten years and is well versed in the positive and negative impact that local rivalries can bring to a campaign. The Championship adversaries are neck-and-neck after four matches as they live up to their pre-season billing as promotion favourites. But by 5pm on Tuesday, both squads could have been weakened as Premier League vultures prepare to spirit away the likes of David Wheater, Adam Johnson and Kevin Nolan. Nevertheless, Arca has tipped Boros neighbours to push his side every inch of the way this season. I think its healthy for us to have Newcastle breathing down our neck, noted the 28- year-old whos been given a chance to establish himself in the side following Gary ONeils lay-off. Newcastle look good this season and if they can keep their key players they should do well. Ameobi wasnt involved last year but he looks like being a big player for them and I know Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini who are internationals and will be key for them if they can keep them both. I joined Sunderland in 2000 so I know all about the rivalry and it gives the season an edge knowing that if you slip up it could give Newcastle a chance. We dont want to let that happen so its important that we dont drop our guard. Both have started well but it will be interesting to see who has the stronger squad to compete over the whole season. With young guns like Rhys Williams and Josh Walker in competition for a central midfield berth, Arca is aware that he must take his chance to impress Southgate or face being ousted once ONeil recovers from his hernia operation. The Argentinians nine goals helped Sunderland clinch promotion five years ago and hes aiming to cement his place in the side by rediscovering his scoring prowess. The midfield have to weigh in with goals, he insisted. Ill be happy if I score five or six this year which is a realistic target as long as the manager picks me. The cards are in my hands so I must take my chance and prove to the manager that I should be playing. You have young lads trying to get in ahead of you but as an experienced player Im determined to keep the shirt. Dont get me wrong Im delighted to be back in the team but I dont like it to be at the expense of a team-mate whos injured. I like to get opportunities by playing well. Youd have to ask the manager if the squad is wellequipped to compete over the whole season but well be stretched if players get suspended or injured. I hope our good start will persuade some of the players to stay. But it depends what the club wants to do and whether people want to continue in the Championship. Arca will today continue to partner Rhys Williams in central midfield, with Leroy Lita and Marvin Emnes expected to line up in attack. Lita began his league career at Ashton Gate, scoring 24 league goals during 2004-05. He broke his Boro duck in last weekends 2-0 win over Doncaster and Southgate says the 24-year-old reminds him of a young Ian Wright. Leroys been everything we hoped he would be, said the Boro boss. He hasnt been here very long, but were already seeing him making demands of people in training and thats great. In terms of his style and the way he plays with a smile on his face, he reminds me very much of Ian Wright. Obviously Ian went on to be an absolutely fantastic player, but Leroy has that scorers instinct that Ian had. Hes 24 and I think Ian only really came into the game at 25. Im not saying hell go on to achieve what Ian did, but its certainly a great thing for him to aim for.

Source: Northern_Echo