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ALI'S BIG MATCH PREVIEW - MIDDLESBROUGH v BIRMINGHAM CITY 1-9-07
Alastair Brownlee
Boro go into tomorrow's visit of Birmingham City with a growing sense of optimism as the new season is starting to take shape.
Carling Cup progress and four points from the last available six in the Premier League are indications that things are starting to move in the right direction. Let's also not forget the instant impact made by Mido, who seems destined to not only score goals but also become a real talisman for the team and the fans.
The return to form of Fabio Rochemback has also been a major plus and if the Brazilian can maintain the level of performance we saw against Newcastle and Northampton then he could have a huge influence on the season. Rochemback's ability has never been in question and I remember after we signed him on deadline day in August 2005 a radio colleague on Merseyside called to say what a good signing we had made. He remembered Rochemback playing for Barcelona at Anfield and he put in such a memorable performance that even the home fans applauded him.
Sadly that type of display has been seen on far too few occasions at the Riverside and at one stage it seemed more likely that the number 10 would be moving on, possibly to Benfica. But his spectacular free kick in this week's Carling Cup tie and his midfield partnership with Julio Arca against Newcastle hold out hope that he might yet rediscover his best form on Teesside.
By his own admission, as a new manager Gareth Southgate did not get the best out of Rochemback last season but he never lost faith in the Brazilian's ability and pairing him with Arca could be a masterstroke.Looking back on that thirty-yard free kick against Northampton it seems that Rochemback went against instructions in shooting for goal.
After the match I caught up with Andrew Taylor who said that Rocky was asked by the coaching staff in training not to shoot but to put free kicks into the box for the strikers.
When Boro won the free kick in the second half Taylor asked Rochemback who he was going to pick out in the penalty area. The answer: "I am going to score!".
The Brazilian is a popular figure in the dressing room and let's hope that he has turned the corner in his Boro career.
On Saturday Franck Queudrue and Stuart Parnaby will be returning to the Riverside.
Franck, of course, received a terrific ovation when he came on as a substitute for Fulham in the final game of last season but this will be Parnaby's first return.
Stuart spent seven years at the Boro, graduating from the Academy managed so well by his father, Dave.The defender made 73 starts for Boro but it would have been many more had it not been for injury.
My favourite memory of Parnaby in a Boro shirt was in the match against Bolton on 26 March 2006.
It had not only been the usual physical battle with Wanderers but it had also been a feast of goals. With time running out and the score tied at 3-3 it looked a certain draw.
Then in front of the New Holgate End we scored with the final kick of the match. As usual I went wild with delight but also had a double check to confirm the scorer.
It was only when I saw Dave Parnaby punching the air in delight that I realised that it was the most unlikely of scorers - his son!!!
Stuart arrives with a Birmingham side who also made Cup progress in midweek when they knocked Hereford out of the Carling Cup. Last Saturday the Blues recorded their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Derby.
The danger man could be Gary McSheffrey who ended his goal drought in midweek and was a tough opponent two seasons ago when part of a Coventry side that took Boro to an FA Cup replay.
As I put this preview together it seems likely that deadline day will see the arrival of Gary O'Neil from Portsmouth.
The former England under-21 international has played over 150 games for Pompey since signing as a trainee in 1999.
At just 24 he has plenty to offer and would, in my opinion, be a terrific signing.
I will be at the Riverside tomorrow providing updates for Century fm and then back with Bernie on Simply Red Sunday from 11 until 1pm.
Special guests this week include Heine Otto, Gary Parkinson and my boyhood hero," King John" Hickton.
It is going to be a busy weekend as I will also be filming my report on the match for Tyne Tees, which will form part of North East Tonight on Monday.
Lets go for another Boro win and Rocky to land the knock out blow!!!!!
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