JUNINHO last night promised he will come back "better than ever'' from reconstructive knee surgery.

The Brazilian star underwent an operation over a fortnight ago to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is hoping for a New Year return to action.

Doctor James Andrews, who performed the procedure at his clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, last week predicted Juninho would make a rapid recovery.

The 29-year-old midfielder suffered the injury in a pre-season tournament in Italy and, consequently, has yet to kick a competitive ball for Boro since his third spell with the club was sealed last month when he returned from Atletico Madrid in a near-£4m deal.

But he has already begun his rehabilitation and yesterday declared: "It was a simple operation which only lasted between 30 to 40 minutes and I can be better than I was before.

"The surgeon reconstructed my ligament so it is now stronger than before.

"It is time now to settle my knee, and once I've done that, I have to work hard.

"I'm feeling well, but upset because I can't do anything. I will only come back when I feel right - it's bad when you come back and feel a little pain.

"But I'm sure I will be back 100 per cent better.''

Juninho says he will join the ranks of the Riverside faithful while he continues his recuperation.

"I will become a supporter for a while,'' he told Boro's website. "I will be at every home match, supporting my mates.

"When the match is away, I will watch on TV.

"The fans have treated me wonderfully ever since my first time here and I have to thank them. I hope I can give something back on the pitch.''

Meanwhile, striker Massimo Maccarone is hoping his move to Boro will catapult him into the reckoning with Italy for the next World Cup.

Boro's £8.15m record buy has scored three goals in five Premiership appearances following his close-season arrival from Empoli, and admits: "I didn't dare hope of launching my time here in such a way.

"They said to me when I signed that they liked my character. When I took the important decision to come to England, I always said I would only choose something I was firmly convinced by.

"I don't know what will happen with the national squad, but I'm looking at the World Cup of 2006.

"I have only just begun, however, and I must continue to prove myself.''

Maccarone, 23, has further endeared himself to Teesside by describing the area as "clean'' and "cultured''.

The skyline might be dominated by chemical plants, but Maccarone said: "I'm feeling very good here.

"Middlesbrough is a small place, like many other towns and cities - beautiful even.

"There is green, it is close to Scotland, it is clean, calm and cultured.''

* Boro midfielder George Boateng is hoping to be fit for tomorrow's game at Everton after missing Tuesday's 3-0 derby victory over Sunderland with a hamstring injury.

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