Luis Boa Morte believes he has nothing to prove as he prepares for a first-team return this weekend.
The 24 year-old winger is available for Sunday’s London derby at Charlton after missing the Whites’ first three games this season through suspension and isn’t fazed by the fact that Jean Tigana has added French international Steve Marlet to his promotion-winning forward line of Boa Morte, Louis Saha and Barry Hayles.
Boa Morte enjoyed a brilliant season at Craven Cottage last term as the Whites stormed to the First Division title – which convinced Tigana to turn his loan from Southampton into a permanent move and believes he can shine at the highest level, having won the double with Arsenal as a teenager.
“I don’t think I have anything to prove to anyone – only to myself, game after game. The manager looks for what is best for the team. If he brought Marlet in, it’s because he thinks the team needs Marlet and he’ll be a good player for the club.
My natural position is not striker. I’m left wing. I played most of last season as striker but first when I came to England I played left wing all the time. “It is up to the manager. If he puts me on the left, I prefer that position, but if he puts me inside, I have to play there. It’s nice to be available again as it’s been really hard watching team-mates playing.
The first point the players need to think is for the club. We’ve never been selfish – we try to train hard to get a position in the team. It’s good competition for the team and it’s good for the club.”
