Fit-again Davies is ready for league action

28 March 2011 11:16
Andrew Davies has declared himself fully fit and ready to help preserve Middlesbrough's Championship status at the weekend.[LNB] Davies has cut a frustrated figure in shadows watching Boro toil manfully against the drop to League One without his assistance.[LNB] The on loan Stoke City defender was brought in by manager Tony Mowbray to help Boro fight relegation. But two games into a return to his home-town club and he limped off with an injury.[LNB] Four weeks on from that appearance, a 3-0 defeat to title chasing QPR at the Riverside, he has made himself available for when Sven Goran Eriksson's Leicester City visit Teesside on Saturday.[LNB] And, with Stephen McManus also free from injury, Boro now have the luxury of selecting two of their most experienced central defenders for what promises to be a tense and nervous finale to the season.[LNB] But should Mowbray decides to stick with one of the youngsters, the Stockton born defender made it known he has the experience to nurture the kids along.[LNB] The 26-year-old said: "I played with (Ugo) Ehiogu, (Gareth) Southgate and (Jonathan) Woodgate when I was originally at Boro, so I feel Im qualified to help the younger players here, like (Seb) Hines and (Jonathan) Grounds, who are two fantastic young defenders trying to learn the game.[LNB] "There has been a few mistakes, we all make them, but so did I and Southgate. But that is what makes you a better player in the future and I think I can help guide them and pass on a bit of experience doing that.[LNB] "I'm fine with the responsibility. I'd like to think the lads look up to me because I have played in the Premier League with Middlesbrough for a while. "[LNB] "I'm just looking forward to getting down to it and getting some results."[LNB] Davies has made no secret of his desire to return home, since he arrived from Tony Pulis side earlier this year, but he also made it known he wants to come back and become a better player under Mowbray.[LNB] "Tony Mowbray is a fantastic manager," said the Teessider. "I think short term is survival but after that the manager will know who he wants for next season and we can make a good go at it next term.[LNB] "I spoke to him before I signed and said to him I want you to make me a better player and improve me and he said to me that will come with more games, which I agree with. But he is someone I can look up too and respect and hopefully he can help me."[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo