Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has moved to quash claims that Tuncay Sanli is unhappy in England.
Southgate says Tuncay is happy
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has moved to quash claims that Tuncay Sanli is unhappy in England.
The Turkish ace arrived in the summer on a free transfer from Fenerbahce, but he is yet to make the expected impact on Teesside.
Tuncay was played out of position on the right of midfield at the start of the season before being relegated to the bench when Mido arrived.
A national newspaper carried a report suggesting Tuncay was less than pleased with how life was going with Boro - but Southgate has moved to dismiss suggestions that the 25-year-old is unsettled.
Denial
"It's nonsense, so I am not prepared to be distracted from our preparations for Saturday's game," said Southgate ahead of Saturday's derby game with Sunderland - which Tuncay could start in place of the injured Jeremie Aliadiere.
"I actually saw these supposed quotes from Tuncay a couple of weeks ago and asked him about them. There is no truth to them.
"He is committed to the challenge. His reaction to the game last Saturday certainly didn't suggest to me someone that wasn't 100 per cent committed to the club and what we are trying to do.
"He has been a substitute for some of our early games, but there is every chance he will be playing against Sunderland on Saturday.
"The truth is that we have been delighted with him and I am sure he will be a big success over here."
