Viduka return shocked me - boss

30th November 2008

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate confessed he was not expecting Newcastle striker Mark Viduka to make his long awaited comeback from injury against his former club at the Riverside.

Southgate admitted his heart was in his mouth when former team-mate Viduka, who was booed roundly by the home fans among a crowd of 32,160, came close to breaking Boro hearts with a last-minute strike.

He said: "You know what he is capable of. I am not too impressed with him - he has not played all year and then he comes and plays against us. I thought he was supposed to be our mate.

"He is a quality player and he has to accept he is going to get the sort of reception he got.

"We loved working with him here, he was terrific for us. I am sure he will poke his head in and we will have a drink before he goes."