Southgate backs new man
21 Jun 2007 - 12:26:47
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate believes the fact that Jeremie Aliadiere has a point to prove will help him become a hit at the Riverside.
The 24-year-old agreed a four-year contract with the Teessiders earlier in the week and is looking to kick-start his career after a frustrating past few seasons at former club Arsenal.
The former France Under-21 international spent nearly eight years with the Gunners, but failed to make much of a first-team impact, scoring nine goals in 51 appearances for Arsene Wenger's side.
And Southgate believes the disappointment of failing to breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium will help Aliadiere fill the boots of former Boro favourite Mark Viduka following his move to Newcastle.
"I have felt for a long time that we needed to bring more pace and energy into the side. Jeremie will bring us those two assets in abundance," he told the club's official website.
"Having spent several years with a club like Arsenal, he also has a winning mentality that will benefit us.
"There is no disgrace in being second choice to some of the strikers that were ahead of him in the Arsenal pecking order, but he has never really had an extended first-team opportunity.
"He will have the chance with us - and the fact that he is hungry and perhaps has a point to prove can only be a good thing.
"I'm looking forward to working with him and helping him to become the player I know he can be at Middlesbrough."