Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 25, 2006 11:25:20 GMT
Gareth Southgate has welcomed Abel Xavier back to training with Middlesbrough, after a year out because of a drugs ban.
The Portuguese international was initially banned for 18 months after testing positive for a prohibited substance after a Uefa Cup game against Skoda Xanthi last September.
Boro immediately cancelled the defender's contract though his suspension was eventually reduced, and Southgate appears to be paving the way for him to return to The Riverside.
Xavier attended his former club's 2-1 home win over champions Chelsea on Wednesday night and after serious consideration Southgate has allowed the player to join in training.
"Obviously, everybody is aware that he had a one-year ban," Southgate commented.
"Middlesbrough as a club and myself as a person do not condone the taking of drugs in sport in any way, so it's a situation we have contemplated long and hard.
"Whether he is innocent or guilty, he has had a year's ban, he has served his time and myself and the club feel that people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives or rebuild their careers in a situation like that.
"So we have offered him an opportunity to come and train with us to get fit again rather than doing that on his own at this stage, and that's the position."
The Portuguese international was initially banned for 18 months after testing positive for a prohibited substance after a Uefa Cup game against Skoda Xanthi last September.
Boro immediately cancelled the defender's contract though his suspension was eventually reduced, and Southgate appears to be paving the way for him to return to The Riverside.
Xavier attended his former club's 2-1 home win over champions Chelsea on Wednesday night and after serious consideration Southgate has allowed the player to join in training.
"Obviously, everybody is aware that he had a one-year ban," Southgate commented.
"Middlesbrough as a club and myself as a person do not condone the taking of drugs in sport in any way, so it's a situation we have contemplated long and hard.
"Whether he is innocent or guilty, he has had a year's ban, he has served his time and myself and the club feel that people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives or rebuild their careers in a situation like that.
"So we have offered him an opportunity to come and train with us to get fit again rather than doing that on his own at this stage, and that's the position."