Mido ready to fire

Egyptian looks for fitness

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 18th February 2008

mido middlesbrough

Mido: Started at Sheffield United

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Middlesbrough striker Mido insists he will soon be back to his best after making a shock return to the starting line-up at the weekend.

Boro had previously stated that the Egyptian would be eased back following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with an inflamed pubic bone.

But he was thrust straight back into the starting XI against Sheffield United in the FA Cup at the weekend and put in a good showing before being subbed late on.

Now Mido is hoping he can make a real impact in the coming weeks.

"I hope to score some goals and get myself fit for the last 10 games," he said.

"I think I started very well when I first signed and the injury has been a big blow for me.

"It's the worst injury that I've had, even worse than anything in your knee because you can't do anything.

"Because every time you jog you put pressure on the injured area.

"But these things happen in your career and you have to get on with it.

"I've worked very hard with the physios and you could see it was a bit better for me.

"I'm sure the next couple of games will get me back to top form."

Wheater frustration

Meanwhile, Boro boss Gareth Southgate has vented his frustration at the news that David Wheater is due to serve a suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Bramall Lane.

"I think he will miss the replay," said Southgate.

"In terms of the suspension, he's been on the knife edge for a couple of weeks and he's being punished not so much for the yellow at Sheffield but a couple earlier in the season when he got cautioned for things which were nowhere near yellow cards, so it's a shame but an opportunity for somebody else."

German defender Robert Huth missed Sunday's game with a foot injury, but Southgate confirmed the problem was not serious.

"We hope Robert will be okay but we will have to look at him as we go along this week," he said.

"But Emanuel (Pogatetz) has been itching to get back in at centre half and I thought he was outstanding."