BEING injured can be a lonely existence for footballers but that certainly wasn't the case for Middlesbrough's wounded stars in the first half of the season.

Boro's injury crisis decimated the first team squad and meant the Rockliffe treatment room was packed to the rafters, which was obviously hugely frustrating for all involved. What it did mean, however, is those out of action were by no means alone and together Boro's injured stars kept spirits up.

Now - despite a couple of recent setbacks - the picture looks a lot rosier.

"It's credit to the medical and coaching staff but the players played a big part as well," said Marcus Forss, one of those who's recently returned to action.

"Lewis (O'Brien), having him around me for the whole of my rehab, Riley (McGree), Tommy (Smith), Darragh (Lenihan), having them all around was massive for me. They helped keep me going and we all help each other up.

"When you have a Tuesday session in the afternoon at 3.30pm in the gym you're thinking I could be at home now, but it's easier when you're all there and you can see the benefits when you come back playing and you feel so fit.

"The coaching team had the odd chat with me here and there, just letting you know you're in their plans and when you come back you can do this and that. It keeps you focused when you're doing your rehab. I haven't played much yet but I feel really good."

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Forss has looked really good as well. In two substitute appearances he's scored two goals and the Finnish international is pushing for a start at Chelsea tomorrow night.

If he is in from the off, will it be on the right flank or up-front? It's on the wing that Forss has played almost all of his football since Carrick's arrival but the head coach has stressed recently that the 24-year-old can "definitely" play up-top for him amid Boro's striker shortage.

Forss was signed as a striker but insists the shift to the right wasn't as big a deal as was perhaps made out.

"I think people make it out to be that I've never played there before but when I was at Brentford I played on the right," he said.

"And we played two strikers and I played on the right, so it comes natural to me. I can do both, it's fine. I have full trust in the gaffer wherever he puts me, I just want to be playing football."

To Chelsea, then, and for Boro an opportunity to reach a domestic final for the first time since winning the Carling Cup 20 years ago.

Forss said: "It means everything. I'm looking forward to it. It's been a long road for me so I'm just enjoying every moment on the pitch.

"We take one game at a time but it's a huge game. We really look forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a result."