Job backs under-strength Boro

By Tom Rollett

Middlesbrough FC go into their UEFA Cup tie against Grazer AK tonight with six first-team players missing through injury. But striker Joseph-Désiré Job refuses to believe that the loss of players such as Ugo Ehiogu, George Boateng and Gaizka Mendieta has diminished their prospects of progressing.

No excuses
"Everyone keeps pointing out how many injuries we have had this season, but we can't use that as an excuse," Job told uefa.com. "We have a large squad now and we have players who are capable of stepping in if someone is injured. That's what we've tried to build here, and I believe that's the case now. Yes, we've had injuries - but we have enough players to cope with that."

More settled
Job himself has only earned an extended run in the side after injury to Mark Viduka, and went on record before Christmas to say he would leave unless he got more first-team opportunities. But now the 27-year-old Cameroon striker is more content.

'Much happier'
He said: "I'm much happier now than I was before Christmas. I wasn't playing much back then, but I'm getting picked a lot more now and obviously, any player is happier when they're getting picked regularly. I'm happy with my own form too, I feel I'm doing well for the team. I haven't been scoring recently, so I need to score as soon as I can. I know that. I'm someone who likes to create goals as well, but if I want to keep my place I know I must get on the scoresheet as much as possible.

Blossoming partnership
"I'm pleased with my partnership with Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, and I think we're playing well together," he added. "We haven't had that much time on the pitch together, but we play with a good spirit and work hard for each other. I'm sure the goals will start flowing soon."

Germanic style
Middlesbrough are strong favourites to go through over the two legs, but Job knows it will be no walkover. "It will be a tough match because Grazer are one of the best teams in Austria," he said. "I don't know any of their individual players, but I know that they are very similar in style to German teams. I watched them play against Liverpool in the [UEFA] Champions League earlier this season, and they were well-organised and very disciplined. They weren't especially skilful, but they were very solid and will be hard to break down."

Home advantage
He added: "However, we have to think that we are going to beat them over the two legs. We play the first leg in Austria, and if we can go there and get a good result, we should be able to finish them off at the Riverside. It's always easier to play the second leg at home, because you know exactly what you have to do so we're glad we've got that advantage.

Away goal
"A good result away from home usually means keeping it tight and not conceding a goal," Job concluded. "But sometimes getting a goal away from home can be more important, because it will count in your favour if the scores are level after the two ties. If we can keep a clean sheet, and get a goal - that will be perfect."

Joseph-Desire Job's personal website is at www.icons.com