Mohamed Shawky is at a loss to explain his lack of playing time at English Championship (second-division) side Middlesbrough. The Egyptian midfielder, who joined Middlesbrough from Cairo giants Ahli in the summer of 2007, is yet to make his first appearance of the season. He has never been a regular at Boro but was used as a substitute during the past two seasons, a status he lost in the early stages of this term. "I don't really know why I don't play," Shawky said in a telephone interview with Modern Sport. "I'm better than many players who play on a regular basis. I also played very well with Egypt in the Confederations Cup but I still find myself out of favor with (coach) Gareth Southgate. "I was also unfairly treated last season as I produced fine displays in many games but Southgate still left me out of his plans. "I sat down with him in the close season and we agreed that I could no longer stay. I received some offers at that time but eventually failed to complete any move away from the club. "I participated in pre-season training but Southgate has already made up his mind that I would not play a big role with Middlesbrough this season. "Personal feelings affect their choices," Shawky added without further elaboration. The 27-year-old has been consistently linked with moves to Ahli and their Cairo rivals Zamalek but he admitted he was in the dark over his next destination. "No one from Ahli and Zamalek talked to me. I know nothing about my future and I don't know what I will do in the January transfer window," he concluded.
