Southgate hopes for Aliadiere

French striker set to return

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 26th October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Southgate hopes for Aliadiere

Aliadiere: Comeback

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Gareth Southgate is looking for Jeremie Aliadiere to return and become a prolific goalscorer for Middlesbrough.

The French striker made a big impact in the early weeks of the season, although he did not find the back of the net.

He has since missed the last five weeks due to a hamstring injury, but he is now in-line to make a return against Manchester United at the weekend.

Return

"Jeremie has trained with us this week and looks pretty good, it's just a case of whether I can start him but he will be in the squad with us," Southgate revealed.

"He was really starting to find some rhythm for us before he got injured and has been terrific.

"People will always say he hasn't scored but he gives so much more to the team.

"He stretches other teams, he gets our team further up the field and has got a terrific workrate about him.

"He is a danger to the opposition and goals will come for him, he has to keep believing in his own talent."