Zam to make a name for himself

Last updated : 12 February 2011 By Northern Echo

The Moroccan finally arrived on Teesside on Thursday after completing his move from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian and is likely to be on the bench against Swansea City today.

As an attacking midfielder standing at 5ft 5, the 27-year-old bares similar qualities to the brilliant Brazilian who wowed crowds at the Riverside in his three spells on Teesside.

However, the Moroccan, who became a fans favourite in his four-and-a-half years in Scotland, insists he is here to stamp his own mark on Tony Mowbray's side and admits his main aim is to help Boro get back in to the Premier League.

"I'm Zemmama, I'm not Juninho, but I will do my best to help the team with everything," he said.

"I'm looking forward to stepping out in front of the fans and to be involved in my first game. I won't say too much about what the fans can expect from me, but they will see everything on the pitch.

"I'm always looking to create something to help the team and my aim is to always get three points first and to enjoy the game but always in benefit of the team.

"All my career I've played on the left, right or behind the strikers but it's no problem for me just to be on the pitch whether it's on the right, left or anywhere else.

"I want to help the team finish in the best position possible in the table this season and be ready to help get promotion next season. That's the aim and my aim is to play for Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

"When I came to Scotland it's always been an aim to play in English football and I signed for Middlesbrough because I want to help them get into the Premier League."

Mowbray brought Zammama to British football when he signed the Moroccan at Easter Road in 2006 and the 27-year-old admitted he didn't have to think twice about joining Boro once his former boss came calling.

Although he only played under Mowbray for two months at Hibs before he left for West Brom, Zammama revealed he is very happy to be reunited with Mowbray.

"I'm very happy to join the club and to sign for Tony Mowbray and Veno, because they are very good managers and they help a lot and hopefully I can repay them," the Moroccan international said.

"They're personalities and honesty are great and that's the most important thing in a manager.

"It was an easy decision and I didn't need much time to make the choice because I know the manager very well and he knows me very well so I said yes straight away.

"He wants to play football and have a good spirit and I enjoyed working with him at Hibs even though he wasn't there long but I have always watched him at other clubs and now I'm with him I can do my best for him."?

Zammama joins a host of other players to make the switch from Scottish to English football and although some players have had difficulties adapting, the Moroccan is confident he can adapt quickly.

The creative midfielder recently made his comeback from a cruciate injury but he insists he is fit and ready to play when called upon.

"We always played against Championship teams in pre season and I've always watched it because we have a lot of Moroccan players playing in the league," Zammama said.?

"It's a very good standard and a strong league and hopefully I can start to play soon.

"I enjoyed my first session with the team. It was a good tempo and the players work hard. The manager makes it very enjoyable but always in benefit of the team.

"I expect the football to be different to the SPL but I know British football and I'm used to it so it will be no problem for me to adapt.

"I'm just coming back from the cruciate injury. I played six games with Hibernian and I feel great.?

"I do need to be careful to build myself up gradually but hopefully I can come back and give them everything that I can.

"I need time to get used to things especially when I'm coming back from injury because if you push yourself too hard things can go wrong but all the medical staff are helping me to build up gradually."

Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo