Davies desperate for permanent Boro return

ANDREW DAVIES is desperate to put a frustrating two years behind him with Stoke City by convincing Tony Mowbray to keep him at Middlesbrough beyond his loan. Davies was "heartbroken" when he was forced off with a hamstring injury on his second home debut for Boro in the defeat to Queens Park Rangers in late February. But he returned to the centre of the defence for last weekend's draw with Leicester City intent on showing in the last eight matches how much he would like to return to the Riverside on a permanent basis. He is confident Stoke will be happy to see him leave, even though he will still have 12 months remaining on his contract at the Britannia Stadium. His focus, though, remains forcing his way in to Mowbray's plans. "The manager is fantastic, I like the way he works, he trains and I know it is a massive couple of months for me," said Davies, who left the club where he graduated through the Academy in 2008. "I want to impress him and sort something out in the summer. That would be ideal. "I think my time at Stoke is done now. It has run its course. I think they would let me go. If I was going to drop down a division, then Middlesbrough - in my blood - would be perfect. I just want to be a part of what Tony Mowbray is trying to do." The 26-year-old centre-back, whose three appearances for Stoke were as a full-back, could not believe his luck when he had to limp out of the defeat to QPR. He faces increased competition for his place with Stephen McManus, Matthew Bates, Seb Hines, Jonathan Grounds, Rhys Williams and Maximilian Haas all capable of playing in the central role. "It was so frustrating because I wanted to do really well here but I probably broke down because I have not had a good pre-season behind me," said Stockton-born Davies. "It was heartbreaking when I got injured. When I was last here I challenged Ugo Ehiogu, Gareth Southgate and Chris Riggott, I love a challenge. Even now there are loads of defenders. I just want to play a part in helping us stay up." If Middlesbrough can win at third-bottom Sheffield United on Saturday they could move 13 points clear of the relegation zone. By last night Boro had sold 2,200 of their allocated 2,600 seats, which is on course to surpass their season best travelling of support of 2,387 fans at Leeds on New Year's Day. Mowbray said: "I think the fans are appreciating what they have seen from us recently. We have to keep trying to get them out of their seats, to make them feel like they want to keep coming back for more and that they want to tell others about the brand of football Boro are playing. "The Sheffield United game will be one hell of a battle. But we don't fear anybody." n Tickets are priced £24.50 (adults), £17.50 (over-60s and full-time students) and £9 for (under-16s). Tickets are also available for Tuesday's trip to Ipswich, while seats are also available for the home dates with Barnsley on April 16 and Coventry on April 25.

Source: Northern_Echo