Alves returns to Boro (From The Northern Echo)

Alves returns to Boro

10:53am Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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AFONSO ALVES has made a belated return to Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground, but fellow striker Mido is still AWOL as the Teessiders prepare for their fourth day of pre-season training.

Alves was back on Teesside yesterday after missing the first two days of Boro’s preseason programme, and the Brazilian will be disciplined after boss Gareth Southgate launched an internal inquiry into his absence.

While Tuncay Sanli, Brad Jones, Adam Johnson and Andrew Taylor have been given permission to miss the start of pre-season training because of their summer international exertions, Alves had been expected to return on Monday.

He didn’t, but Southgate will sit down with the striker today to discuss the situation.

While Alves is keen to leave the Riverside this summer, Boro are unwilling to write off a significant proportion of their £12.7m outlay and will demand a more dedicated approach in the next few weeks.

Mido’s situation is different, as Boro are keen to move the enigmatic Egyptian on at the earliest opportunity, but the club have so far failed to force him to return from his summer break.

Mido was nowhere to be seen yesterday, and Boro officials are understandably furious at his antics. The 26- year-old will face a two-week fine when he eventually returns.

Middlesbrough could even opt to take a tougher line and investigate their legal position with regard to a possible suspension for breach of contract.

Meanwhile, Ross Turnbull has claimed he joined Chelsea because he has more chance of playing for the Blues than he would have had of playing for Middlesbrough.

The Bishop Aucklandborn goalkeeper moved to Stamford Bridge last week, and while he will start next season behind Petr Cech and Hilario in the pecking order, he expects his involvement in the first team to increase.

“Ideally you want to play first-team football, but I wasn’t guaranteed that at Middlesbrough so I decided to leave,” he said.

“Chelsea play around 60 games a season, so it is a squad game and I am here to be part of the squad.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed, so I see it as a fight between all three of us.

It is an exciting challenge.”

■ Boro have released admission details for their five pre-season friendlies.

Boro are at Macclesfield Town on Saturday, July 18 (3pm) and there will be no advance ticket sales. Admission on the day is £10 adults, £5 juniors. Under-12s are free when accompanied by an adult.

They are at Dumbarton on Wednesday, July 22 (7.30pm), admission £5 adults and £3 juniors.

Carlisle United on Saturday, July 25 (3pm) is £10 adults £5 for over-65s and under-17s. Under- 12s £2 when accompanied by adult and free to under-7s.

Tickets for Boro’s match at Darlington on Wednesday, July 29 (7.30pm) will go on sale next Monday £10 adults £5 juniors.

They will be available from the Riverside ticket office, or by calling 0844 499 1234.

Boro’s final pre-season friendly takes place at Millwall on Saturday, August 1 (3pm), with admission priced £12 for adults and £5 for juniors.