Source: Northern_Echo
Shawky fit to play for Egypt but not Boro
SINCE joining Middlesbrough two years ago Mohammed Shawky has played more times for Egypt than he has for Gareth Southgates side.[LNB] And that statistic does not look like it will be changing in the near future after the Boro boss confirmed that, while the midfielder is poised to face Zambia in a World Cup Qualifier on Saturday, he is not considered fit enough for league duty.[LNB] Shawky remains highlyrated in his homeland and was linked with a return to former club Al-Ahly during the summer and also turned down a transfer window switch to Sheffield United.[LNB] The Blades are expected to make another bid to land the 27-year-old in January who is a star in his country but is a peripheral figure on Teesside.[LNB] Despite a long-term injury to Matthew Bates and both Gary ONeil and Didier Digard being sidelined last month, Southgate did not call on Shawky to make his first Boro start since he played in Mays defeat at Newcastle United.[LNB] Rhys Williams conversion to a defensive midfield role has pushed Shawky further down the pecking order and he hasnt even figured for Boro reserves this season.[LNB] Hes our player. But at the moment hes not trained enough to be considered, revealed Southgate. The Egyptians have picked him, but I couldnt at the moment.[LNB] Mohamed had the opportunity to leave before the transfer window but decided not to. Hes not trained in between because of injury but hes available to join up with the Egypt squad.[LNB] Hes been called up by them for two matches. If hes fit and hes training with the team, Ill consider putting him back in the squad.[LNB] Shawky featured in his countrys 4-0 home victory over Mauritius last Friday and has been included in the squad travelling to Zambia this weekend.[LNB] Shawky has played in only 18 games for Middlesbrough since Southgate signed him in a £650,000 deal in August 2007 and has featured 65 times for his national side.[LNB] Meanwhile, Middlesbrough suffered a double injury blow after Emanuel Pogatetz suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from knee surgery while hopes that Andrew Taylor will return for the trip to Watford a week on Saturday have been quashed.[LNB] Taylor has not fully recovered from ankle ligament damage and remains sidelined while Pogatetz was unable to feature in the reserve teams 2-1 win against Newcastle on Tuesday.[LNB] Pogatetz made his comeback last month and was edging towards a first-team return before he suffered setback in his rehabilitation.[LNB] He is an experienced player and we need him back in the squad as soon as possible,[LNB] admitted Southgate. But we have to be careful in how we deal with him, because when he comes back we need to know that he is definitely ready.[LNB]
