Yakubu looking for European spot
Posted on 30th January 2007
Middlesbrough forward Yakubu is aiming to fire the club back into contention for a European spot when they take on his former club Portsmouth. The Nigerian forward insists the UEFA Cup is achievable via either the FA Cup or the Premiership. Middlesbrough have improved in recent weeks and appear to have ended the threat of relegation hanging over them.
But, if Boro can take their improved form into the forthcoming fixtures against top six sides Pompey, Arsenal and Chelsea, and pick up crucial points into the bargain, then Gareth Southgate’s outfit could be well positioned for a tilt at the top seven in the remaining three months. However if that does not happen then Yakubu is hoping for a good run in the cup.
“The season is very much alive, there’s so many games to go. I think we're getting better and better,” said Yakubu. “If we keep doing the right things, maybe this year or next year we will win a trophy. You never know what can happen because we still have 14 more games remaining. To be in the FA Cup Final would be amazing, that could get us into Europe. It would be fantastic to play in an FA Cup Final - it’s something I’ve always dreamed about - but it would be fantastic to get back into Europe as well. Both things are still possible, so the season is still very much alive.”
Despite a second-half set-back at Bristol City on Saturday, Yakubu expects a confident Boro side to run out on to the Fratton Park pitch tonight. He said: “The confidence is there. I hope and believe we will win but it will be a tough game. Portsmouth are a good team and they are doing well. I hope we get the result we're looking for.”
Earlier Middlesbrough news
South Korean’s move to Boro all but doneSiena desperate for Maccarone deal to be doneDowning wants European pushMiddlesbrough try for AliadiereRochemback a Boro rebelSouthgate just pleased to get throughViduka resigned to Boro depatureBoateng unlikely to figure in Hull clashAway win a long time in coming says SouthgateBoro need to take their chances says SlavenRiggott ready to battleMiddlesbrough interested in pairBoro hopeful of cup run but Hull confidentForwards can ease Boro awaySouthgate wants Viduka to stay