HAMILTON Ricard has pledged to fight for his place at Middlesbrough.

The Colombian striker, Boro's leading scorer for the last two seasons, has started only two games this term following the arrival of £2.5m Croatian ace Alen Boksic.

But Ricard, linked with moves to Spain and France in the past year, insists he has the mettle to force his way back into manager Bryan Robson's plans.

He admitted: "It's difficult when you are out of the team.

"But if I work hard, maybe I'll get the chance to play. Being out of the team is not a problem if you have a strong mentality.''

England Under-21 striker Andy Campbell has also underlined his determination to battle for a first-team spot.

The Teessider, yet to start for Boro this season, is believed to be a target for Leicester, but maintained: "I'm over the moon to be with Middlesbrough.

"I know I've got to fight for my place. I've shown what I can do on the training pitch. Now I've got to score a few more goals when I get my chance.''

l Alun Armstrong scored twice as Boro reserves edged out Manchester City reserves in a seven-goal thriller at the Riverside last night, writes NEIL ANDREWS.

With just 12 minutes on the clock, a left wing cross from City's Lee Crooks was headed comfortably home by former Hartlepool loan signing Gary Mason with Danny Allsopp having a close range shot charged down minutes later.

The visitors didn't have to wait long before doubling their advantage when Tony Grant pounced on a ball over Boro's back line to lob stranded goalkeeper Chris Bennion.

When Allsopp dragged a shot wide it looked as though it was a matter of how many City would win by until Boro blasted back into the game with four goals in nine minutes - two of them in 40 seconds.

On 36 minutes Carlos Marinelli and Hamilton Ricard combined to open up the City defence with Armstrong turning in a low cross at the back post.

Four minutes later a right wing cross from Campbell was bravely headed in by the diving Armstrong and just 40 seconds later a 25-yard shot from Campbell deflected off Richard Jobson and flew past goalkeeper Tommy Wright.

On the stroke of half time Ricard, on the edge of the penalty area, curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

The scoring was completed eight minutes into the second half when a low cross from Boro's right was turned into his own net from close range by Steve Baker.

Middlesbrough: Bennion, McMahon, Hanson, Parnaby, Baker, Kell (Wilkshire 83), Marinelli (Kilgannon 62), Hudson, Armstrong, Ricard (Robinson 88), Campbell. Subs (not used) Brackstone, Russell (gk).

l Robbie Fowler will sit on the bench watching Liverpool's return to Europe knowing there is a place waiting for him if he can prove his fitness.

Liverpool face Rapid Bucharest tonight in the UEFA Cup, with a galaxy of top names left at home.

Steven Gerrard, with a recurrence of his groin injury, Titi Camara, Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Sami Hyypia, were all left on Merseyside.

But Fowler, having played 60 minutes of a practice match on Monday, was considered fit to travel, as was Gary McAllister, who is banned from domestic football but can play in Europe.

But the target now facing Fowler is to prove his value to a manager who in 22 months of control has barely witnessed his true quality.

Ahead of him now are Michael Owen and Emile Heskey. But boss Gerard Houllier said: ''I know his capabilities, and he can give us that finishing edge that we need.

''He has come back into training this week focused, determined and with a top attitude. He's a strong character and when he's fit he will give us the very best of options.'