Fabio ready to fire at Middlesbrough

Fabio Da Silva scored a goal of the season contender against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last season.

And though he does not expect to make the same impact at the top end of the pitch now he is wearing a Boro shirt, the Brazilian full-back is determined to play his part to ensure Premier League survival.

In February, Fabio scored his first goal on English soil since October 2013 with a sumptuous volley for Cardiff City in a 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old moved from south Wales to Teeside in a £2million deal last week and is in line to make his Boro debut against north-east rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

And though he concedes he would be an unlikely first-goalscorer bet, Fabio still hopes to give the Boro funs something to remember.

(Ian Horrocks/Getty Images)

“If I can score that goal every week, imagine!” said the former Manchester United defender.

“I remember that it was goal of the season at Cardiff.

“I have to help and I will do my maximum. I am energetic and I don’t stop running. I will do everything I can.

“To be back in the Premier League is fantastic,” Fabio said.

“When I first arrived in England Boro were in the Premier League. I know them well and I know the fans.

“It’s exciting as well to be given the opportunity to come and play with Middlesbrough.”