Jimmy ready for Boro return

Dutch star back at The Riverside

Last updated: 7th March 2008

jimmy floyd hasselbaink middlesbrough

Hasselbaink: Boro return

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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink admits he cannot wait to be back at The Riverside on Sunday.

The former Dutch international returns to Teesside as his current club Cardiff City face Middlesbrough in the last eight of the FA Cup.

Hasselbaink, still a hugely popular figure at Boro, admits he would love to have stayed at the club when he left in 2006 - but Gareth Southgate wanted his own players.

"Gareth said he wanted to go with younger players and build for the next five years and beyond," said Hasselbaink.

"I know the club has produced, and is producing, a lot of good youngsters and Gareth wanted to give them an opportunity.

"He explained to me he also wanted to bring in his own players. That is understandable. It's what every good manager does and I respected him for his honesty.

"We didn't achieve everything we wanted to while I was there, but we did come very close to doing some great things. I have been very fortunate and played at some great clubs during my career and Middlesbrough is right up there with them.

No regrets

"I have never had any regrets about the two years I was there. I like to think I learnt a few things as well and the club helped to improve me as a player."

Hasselbaink has played against Boro since leaving when he scored the opening goal in a 3-1 defeat for Charlton at The Valley - but he admits regretting the fact he celebrated.

"I remember scoring at The Valley and it is instinctive to celebrate," he said.

"It wasn't meant to be a sign of disrespect to the club or their fans.

"But with the benefit of hindsight I probably just wished I had walked back to the centre circle.

"I would be lying to say it would not be special to score at the Riverside, especially as we at Cardiff are just as anxious to be in a cup semi-final as Middlesbrough.

"I don't want to contemplate that too much. I will worry about that if it happens.

"Maybe this time I just smile inside. Middlesbrough fans would understand."