Reborn Sammy is Boro's Silvera dream machine

SAMMY Silvera is embracing his new role at left wing back for Middlesbrough, but admits despite his excellent start to the season that there is still more to learn.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Naturally a winger, Silvera has returned from two disappointing loan spells last season to turn around his fortunes on Teesside by taking advantage of a gap in Rob Edwards’ squad and excelling in the wing-back role.

While Boro still plan to sign a specialised wing-back before the window closes, it's fair to say the Australian has earned the right to be considered a valued squad member.

That's quite the turnaround for a player who looked almost certain to leave this summer as he returned from spells at Portsmouth and Blackpool.

Wing back was alien to him before being asked to try it while out in Portugal this summer and, having already expressed a desire to fight for his place at Boro, he embraced the challenge to win over his new boss.

“Tm enjoying it,” he tells The Gazette with a huge smile at Boro’s open training session this week.

“It's a lot of work up and down the pitch all game.

“Tt helps that we all help each other out as a team, we all get back and all do the work together. But then in attack, I’m starting from a deeper position and I think I can affect the game.

“The way that we play, when we're on our day we keep the ball well and it allows me to get in a higher position.

“Even on the break, I know I’ve got some speed so I can get forward quickly from a deeper position and take advantage of that.