JOSEPH JOB is aiming to return to action as soon as possible – because he believes this Boro team are going places. The Cameroon international is hoping to return to full training in about four weeks and aims to be fully fit in the New Year, giving the squad a timely boost. « I don’t feel any pain so hopefully maybe in one month I can get back in training and maybe two weeks after that I’ll be ready to play in the Premier League again, » he said.
« We have a very good midfield now with players like Mendieta, Zenden and Juninho. I want to get back as soon as possible because we’ve got a good team and I think we can do something this season.
« My first two years here were very difficult for me. Last year I started playing almost every game until I got my injury.
« This season I was playing again and that means the manager and the staff trust me, and that’s very important for me. »
The popular and versatile player was just re-establishing himself in the Boro side when no for the first time injury struck, this time in a freak training ground incident.
« I twisted my knee as I took a very strong cross but after training it didn’t feel that bad, » he explained. « I didn’t see the doctor until the next day, because after training I didn’t feel it was so serious.
« The doctor checked my knee and said I had to stop immediately because he couldn’t feel my ligament and he was worried, so I had a scan and saw a specialist.
« It was very unlucky because I didn’t think it was that bad and things were going well for me, I was playing for a regular place and I felt very disappointed.
« But things like this happen. I have to go forward and get back to fitness as soon as possible. »
The 25-year-old has had mixed fortunes since joining the club for £3m in summer 2000, but he is determined to build on the impact he made last season.
« This season is really important because after last year I have to confirm that I can keep playing game after game, » he says.
« This is the last year of my contract so it’s very important for me in that way as well.
« It’s a little bit early to say what the future holds because you never know in football.
« But I like this club and I’m used to things here. I know everyone and we get one well and that’s a very good feeling. »
