Shawky wants starting role

Egyptian happy on Teesside

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 2nd April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Shawky wants starting role

Shawky: Boro target

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Middlesbrough's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Shawky has underlined his ambition to cement a place in the club's first-team.

The African has taken some time to make his presence felt at The Riverside after making just a couple of appearances before going to play in the African Cup of Nations.

Shawky helped Egypt to the title and the summer signing is now beginning to make an impact with a number of impressive displays for his club.

Now Shawky is looking to push on in the last few weeks of the season.

"I'm delighted at the achievements for the national team and the great response I've had from the Boro fans," he told the club's official website.

"I want to show them my form and make them happy by putting a smile on their face.

"I'm hoping to play as much as I possibly can and I want to help Middlesbrough achieve success, I want to be part of that.

"I've settled well here, it was difficult at first, especially the weather, but my team-mates have really helped.

"Obviously the injuries were frustrating but I'm pleased to be involved now and I want to build on that.

"I'm very happy to be involved in the set-up here and taking part is important to me, I want to be able to help the side as much as I can."

Hope

Another player that is hoping to make his impact on the first-team is highly-rated young defender Rhys Williams.

The 19-year-old is a Wales Under-21 international and has been impressing for his country.

Now Williams is hoping he can go on loan with a view to making the big breakthrough at The Riverside.

"Hopefully, if I can get out on loan between now and the end of the season I will improve as a player. Adam Johnson and David Wheater both benefited from loan spells and I think a similar spell will help me as well," he said.