Arca Aiming For First Team Start

Last updated : 03 November 2008 By Sam
The Argentiainian international, who made his second successive substitutes appearance for Boro in the weekend draw against West Ham, is now hoping to gain a place in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up having now recovered fully from ankle ligament damage sustained during pre-season.

"For me now it's 29 games to go so I'm looking forward to playing as much as I can," he told the Evening Gazette.

"Whatever happens in the past has gone and I'm looking forward to the future.

"It was frustrating being out because I had done all the pre-season work and played in nearly every game and it was only two weeks before the start of the season I had the injury.

"But it happens and there's nothing you can do about it. Now I'm just looking forward to getting back into the team.

"It's always hard to get into the team. I've been out for three months now and the players in the team have been doing well but if the manager gives me a chance I will take it.

"Gareth is that kind of manager. When bad things happen he stands by you.

"Throughout all my injury problems he has stood by me. He let me go to Argentina without any problems and I'm sure he's glad to see me back.

"Now we try and work together to do what's best for the team."