Injury blow hits Aliadiere
17 Sep 2007 - 13:49:35
Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere faces well over a month out of action after suffering a hamstring injury during the 3-0 defeat by West Ham United.
The 24-year-old Frenchman has yet to get off the mark for Boro since his summer arrival from Arsenal and will have to wait a little longer to make an impact.
Manager Gareth Southgate told the Evening Gazette: "It's a shame for Jeremie because he was looking so sharp.
"I don't know how long he will be out. We'll have to wait for the results of the scans."
Meanwhile, Southgate has backed another summer signing, Turkey international Tuncay, to come good after a slow start to his career in England.
The 25-year-old has yet to register for Boro, but impressed as a substitute against the Hammers.
"That's as good as Tuncay has played for us," Southgate added. "Now all we want is for him to find that first goal because it would give him a big lift.
"Obviously the best of our chances fell to Tuncay in the second half and he apologised to the lads when he came in the dressing room afterwards.
"But it's all about getting into position and I thought he was one of the bright spots for us when he came on."