MIDDLESBROUGH striker Andy Campbell is bidding to revive his career on Teesside after having his request to be removed from the transfer list granted by Boro boss Steve McClaren.

The 22-year-old is determined to put a nightmare few months behind him and fight for a place in McClaren's side after seeing a £1million move to Crystal Palace collapse during the summer.

The pacey frontman was expected to join Steve Bruce's Eagles but the south London club were forced to pull out after he failed a fitness test.

Now, after two operations on the ankle which prevented him moving to Selhurst Park, Campbell is looking to force his way into McClaren's plans.

After coming through a reserve game unscathed on Wednesday, McClaren agreed that Campbell's main priority at the moment is fitness.

He said: "Andy needs to get back to full fitness before anything else. Then we can look at things again."

Campbell meanwhile is remaining level headed as he bids to build up his fitness.

He said: "I had 25 minutes and came through it ok. Now I need games. We've got two reserve matches before Christmas and I hope to play in them. I'm not looking beyond that.

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