Middlesbrough Football Club News

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35,049

Macca back in Boro fold

05 Nov 2006 - 09:05:44

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Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone has been handed a chance to prove himself again by Riverside boss Gareth Southgate.

The 27-year-old Italian joined Boro for £8.15million from Empoli in the summer of 2002, but has failed to make the expected impact.

However, with Mark Viduka out for at least a month, Southgate has given Maccarone a fresh opportunity to impress.

He said: "I said at the start of the season, everyone starts with a clean slate. I have a lot of belief in his talent.

"He has not had an extended run in the side. That would be his frustration. Sometimes players need a run in the team, it is not one game or you are out.

"Over the next period he has an opportunity to show what he is about and what he can do. He has to try to stake a claim to impress other people.

"We have not discussed him leaving. We have to let him get chances and see what he can do. He is a good finisher."