Southgate hopes for Huth

Boro wants German fit and ready

Last updated: 8th June 2008

Robert Huth Middlesbrough

Huth: Dogged by injury

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is insistent German star Robert Huth will be fit for the new season.

The 23-year-old has started just 17 Premier League games for Boro since they paid Chelsea £6million for him in 2006.

He has looked hugely impressive when he has played which has just added to Boro's frustration as injuries have continually dogged Huth.

But Southgate is confident he will be back and ready for the big kick-off in August.

"There's no pressure now to rush him back, he'll be fit for the start of pre-season and hopefully we can bring him through at the right speed and he can play a bigger part next year," said Southgate.

"For Robert, it's important he gets a full pre-season. Obviously we've seen this season what an influential player he can be for us so I hope for him and for us he can stay injury free."

Shawky

Southgate is also looking for Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Shawky to make an impact next term.

Shawky made just three league starts and although he did well when he saw action, Southgate wants to see more from him.

"We hope he'll play a big part next season," Southgate said.

"In the games that he's played away from home he's done very, very well, but it's just been very frustrating.

"It took him a while to adapt to the speed of training and then when he had got into the side he had to go to the Africa Cup of Nations

"Unfortunately he's had a couple of knocks since he came back.

"But we feel he can play a bigger role next season."