Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says new signing Marlon King has the hunger to be a success.
Southgate confident new signing can make an impact
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate believes new loan signing Marlon King has what it takes to succeed at the Riverside.
King has joined Boro on loan until the end of the season from Wigan and is in the squad for Wednesday's Premier League clash at Chelsea.
Boro have not won at Stamford Bridge in over 30 years, but King could go straight into the side following doubts over fellow striker Afonso Alves' fitness.
"Marlon has Premier League experience and he is fit from his time at Hull City, so we can put him in if we need to," said Southgate.
"I've been absolutely delighted with him so far. He's got a hunger to be here and I think he has a point to prove.
"A new player coming into a squad always makes a difference, especially when he is a goalscorer."
However, record signing Alves, who suffered an Achilles injury in Saturday's FA Cup win at Wolves, is in the squad for the trip to London, so King may have to be patient for his debut.
"Alves has been training and so we don't expect him to have any problems," continued Southgate.
"I have several options. I can play both of them together or I can think about the Chelsea game and Saturday's home game against Blackburn."
Injuries
Boro should also be boosted by the return of captain Emanuel Pogatetz from injury, but Andrew Taylor is out with his ankle injury.
Julio Arca and Mohammed Shawky should also both make the trip to Stamford Bridge.
