All change for Maccarone

Uefa Cup hero Massimo Maccarone hopes he has revived his Middlesbrough career.

Uefa Cup hero Massimo Maccarone is hoping that he has revived his Middlesbrough career.

The Italian striker has proved to be a European supersub for Boro this month after scoring last minute winners against Basel and Steaua Bucharest.

Maccarone's goals have capped remarkable comebacks for Boro, which have booked the club's place in the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla.

The strikers have also restored Maccarone's stock on Teesside, with the 26-year-old having spent last season on loan at Parma and Siena.

And though only seven of Maccarone's 26 appearances this season have been from the start, he feels he may have grasped a new lease of life at The Riverside.

"It was a difficult time," Maccarone told Sky Sports News. "I didn't play many games, but in football it can change in one game."

The former Empoli starlet was delighted to score the goals which secured Boro's final spot and he is now looking forward to playing in Eindhoven.

He added: "I'm very good. I'm very happy for everybody, for the team, for the supporters and for my family.

"I can believe it when you can imagine it is the second time in 15 days. This is very good.

"Every player wants to play in the final. It's not problem for me if I am on the bench and score a goal.

"It's fantastic. I can't forget that."