No.12 Given To New-Boy Alves!

Boro have officially declared that new record signing Afonso Alves is to be given the No.12 shirt on Teesside.

Alves, who ended a month-long transfer tug-of-war with a deadline-day move to Middlesbrough, has a prolific record as a goal-machine in Europe.

With 45 goals in 38 league games for former club Heerenveen, Alves’ move to the North East has raised expectations of Gareth Southgate’s side.

Boro have struggled in front of goal, with 21 goals in 24 league games so far this season, however the Brazilian striker could well be the answer to all their prayers.

Boro go in to tomorrow’s Tyne-Tees derby just two points and one place behind their rivals, in the knowledge that an away win will see them leap-frog Kevin Keegan’s side.