Arca hopes for end to injury jinx

Arca joined Middlesbrough from rivals Sunderland in July 2006

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca hopes he has finally recovered from the injuries that have dogged him during the last 12 months.

Arca, 27, picked up an ankle injury in August's friendly with Scottish side Hibernian but admitted there are no further worries with his fitness.

"Now is the first time I have felt comfortable with my injury and can start to get fit," he told BBC Tees.

"I feel like I've lost pace, but I am training every day so that helps me."

Returning to fitness has been a arduous task for Arca, who sought expert help in his native Argentina for his ankle just months after recovering from a recurring knee injury he picked up in a league game against former club Sunderland in August 2007.

And the Quilmes-born utility-man, who cost Boro �1.75m as Gareth Southgate's first signing in July 2006, is determined to battle his way back into the side, despite the club's impressive run of form.

"I have to be patient to get my place back in the team, but the team is playing well so I cannot complain.

"The manager has to be fair, he has to keep the same team because the team is doing alright so I have no complaints.

"At the same time I'm not 100%, I'm probably 80% at the moment, but I'm happy because my ankle is comfortable."