 Alves is looking sharp according to boss Southgate (Getty) |
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate believes Brazilian striker Afonso Alves will have an explosive impact once he settles in to English football. Alves, 29, made his first start in the FA Cup last weekend and Southgate has seen enough in training to suggest he will justify the record transfer fee.
He told BBC Tees: "Every session he has he gets closer and the only way to get him match-fit is by playing matches.
"What he has shown is what a good finisher he is."
Southgate is also pleased by Mido's return, after the striker was restored to the starting line-up for last week's match against Sheffield United.
"He was very confident," said Southgate. "The style of the game suited him in terms of fitness levels but it was good to get him through that chunk of the game."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?