MIDO says he is excited about the frontline firepower at Gareth Southgate’s disposal for next season - even though it means he faces a battle to win a place in the side.
The Egyptian hitman arrived from Spurs for £6m last summer just days after Yakubu had departed for Everton.
But, after making an impressive start to his career on Teesside by scoring two goals in his first two games, his first season with Boro was ultimately ruined by a series of injury set-backs.
A lack of goals was a massive problem for Southgate last season as the club struggled to cope with the departure of Mark Viduka and Yakubu.
The Boro boss, however, looks set to go into the new season with the striking quartet of Afonso Alves, Mido, Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay, all vying for places in his starting line-up.
And the Egypt international says he is up for the challenge and relishing the opportunity to link up with the club’s other forwards.
“I am looking forward to playing with Afonso, but there are many other great players in the Boro team too,” he said.
“Jeremie contributes so much to the side and is a really big player for us, as is Tuncay Sanli, who I believe is going to have a great season.
“Everyone at the club is determined to push forward, I see no reason why we cannot do much better next season.”
Eyebrows were raised at Mido’s appearance when he did make an aborted first team comeback in February.
The former Spurs and Roma striker looked to be carrying a lot of weight. Though the club were at pains to play down the issue at the time, Mido has spent the last few months working hard back home in Cairo to improve his fitness. It’s reported that he’s lost more than a stone in weight, which will delight Southgate, who had high hopes for the player when he signed him.
Boro are currently trying to complete deals to bring Didier Digard and James Harper to the club.
Negotiations have taken place with the Frenchman, who is unsettled at Paris St Germain, but Boro have yet to agree a fee with Reading for Harper, who is keen to move to Boro following the Royals’ relegation. Another player reportedly keen to come to Boro, Spurs’ keeper Paul Robinson, is now expected to sign for Aston Villa. The Yorkshire-born goalie is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and was keen to move back north but Southgate wants to give Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull a chance.
