ANGRY Middlesbrough star Franck Queudrue has revealed his determination to clear his name and shrug off a growing bad-boy reputation.

The erratic Frenchman has requested a personal hearing after being charged with violent behaviour over his part in Southampton striker Kevin Phillips' sending off in the Premiership clash last month.

Phillips was instantly dismissed by referee Barry Knight in the final minute of the St. Mary's match after kicking out at the Boro star and was given an automatic three-match ban.

However, TV replays appear to show Queudrue stepping on the back of Phillips' calf.

And, although Mr Knight had overlooked the incident during the game, he submitted in his report that he was concerned he had missed the build up to the Phillips sending off.

After the matter was referred by the FA to the video advisory panel, Queudrue was charged.

Boro boss Steve McClaren is seething at the prospect of being without the left-back, who had already missed the opening five games of this season through suspension.

Boro have until tomorrow to request a personal hearing - though they are believed to have already made the moves for one.

And Queudrue is determined to prove his innocence, he said: "I was very surprised by the charge and I will defend myself against it. I did not do anything wrong and I will tell the FA that.

"I could not believe they have said I am violent and have accused me of stamping on him.

"We went together for the ball by the touchline and it went out for a throw-in. We came together on the floor and then I tried to get up quickly because I could see he wanted to take a quick throw-in.

"My leg was on his calf as we fell and all I tried to do was get back quickly into defence and he kicked me. I really didn't know why he did that.

"I am enjoying my football more now and I think referees understand my game a bit more.

"They are not looking out for me which is why this was such a surprise to me and the club."

Queudrue has previously indicated he is striving to improve his disciplinary record in the English game.

He has been sent off four times in his Premiership career and was the only player to be shown the red card on three occasions last season.

Meanwhile, Massimo Maccarone will be handed the chance to stake a claim for a first team place when he makes a reserve team outing tonight.

The Italian, who has scored four goals in two second-string games since returning from an ankle injury, came on as a substitute in Saturday's defeat to Newcastle.

And now Maccarone will be hoping to shine against Aston Villa at the Riverside in a bid to force himself into Boro's starting line-up against Tottenham this Sunday.

A young Boro side will also have Michael Ricketts, Chris Riggott and Alan Wright on show.

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