Alves: I'll Score Goals!

Record signing Afonso Alves has declared he will score goals for Boro, and aims to beat his amazing goals to games ratio from the Netherlands.

In an interview with mfc.co.uk Alves said, 'I promise the fans that there will be many goals before the summer.'

'Free-kicks are my speciality but I want to score goals no matter where they are from. I am excited about the challenge.'

Alves is aiming to reproduce the form that saw him score a stunning 97 goals in 123 league games.

'I am proud to have scored many goals in Sweden and in Holland but I aim to have an even better goals to games average in the Premier League.'

The striker, who has eight caps for Brazil, is excited about the future at The Riverside, after being impressed with his new team-mates when watching the side beat Wigan 1-0.

He continued, 'I watched the game against Wigan and was impressed at how many chances the team created, while I also saw that the defence is very reliable and strong.'

Alves' availability for tomorrow's massive Tyne-Tees derby remains uncertain. Despite AZ Alkmaar claiming they will appeal to FIFA over an alledged pre-contract agreement the Brazilian signed with them, it is understood their legal proceedings should not affect the striker's eligibilty to play.

However, after not playing first-team football for several weeks, it is unknown whether Southgate will want to risk the striker so soon.