Mohamed Shawky is not willing to follow in the footsteps of many Egyptian players who played abroad and returned home empty-handed due to their impatience. The former Ahli midfielder joined Premiership side Middlesbrough on a three-year deal for £650,000 in the close season. Boro coach Gareth Southgate seemingly had sufficient options in midfield early in the season, with the likes of George Boateng, Fabio Rocehmback and Julio Arca being part of his squad. Maybe that's why Shawky didn't get plenty of action. "He's just having to be a bit patient because we have a lot of competition for places at the moment in the area of the field he plays in," Southgate stated. The Egypt midfielder played just once in a Carling Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in September. He was even replaced by Tom Craddock at the interval. Nevertheless, Shawky firmly believes he will not be distracted from doing his best to force his way into Southgate plans. Determination "I'm desperate to get in the team to help Middlesbrough and show the supporters what I can do," Shawky told the club's official website. "The manager has said to me that he is happy with my progress. I am confident I can get in the team. I feel I am ready to play now." Southgate backed Shawky for long-term success, stressing that he fully trusts the abilities of the former Masri man. "We're very pleased with what he's done up to now, we think he's getting stronger and improving all the time," the 37-year-old manager said.
Southgate backs Shawky "You can see that he's an intelligent player and he's got qualities." Former Ahli and Zamalek defender Ibrahim Saied had a spell with Everton but it didn't last for long. Shawky doesn't want a repeat of his compatriot's tale. "I don't want to go back to Egypt. I want to stay here and become a success," he insisted. Adaptation Not every player can adapt to the tempo of the Premiership, which is seen by many as the most exciting and attractive domestic competition in the world. Can Shawky prove that he is up to the challenge? "I knew it would be hard, that I would have to adapt to the pace of English football. I knew it would take time to settle." "But in the three months I have been here I feel I have become a better player because I am adapting to a different pace that football here is played at. Southgate too is aware that adaptation takes time, especially with the huge differences between the Egyptian League and the Premiership, but has faith in the 26-year-old midfielder. "We think he is adjusting very well, he realizes that as a strong player in the league he was playing in doesn't necessarily follow into the Premier League. "It's a different style; all the players are fast and the games very intense."
