Hasselbank looking for 'unforgettable' finale

Middlesbrough star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is determined to ensure his final days at the Riverside are “unforgettable.”

Hasselbaink’s Boro career looks set to end after Wednesday’s UEFA Cup final as the club have so far not offered the Dutch striker a new contract.

Despite believing he is capable of playing at Premiership level for another two years, the 34-year-old looks set to bow out with Boro in Eindhoven’s Philips Stadion against Primera Liga side Sevilla.

Winning a UEFA Cup medal in his homeland of Holland would represent the perfect ending for Hasselbaink after two years with the club.

When asked whether Middlesbrough had made an approach with regard to signing a new contract, he replied: “Nope. I’ve still not spoken to the club.”

Hasselbaink, who trained for the first time today since sustaining a hamstring injury in Boro’s astonishing semi-final second leg victory over Steaua Bucharest, added: “I’m not thinking about it.

“I’m just looking forward to Wednesday, playing as well as possible, and hopefully being on a winning team.

“I’m focusing on the football, and that’s the only thing I can do. What will come, will come. I’m very open minded.

“The contract issue is business and has nothing to do with football, and it is not up to me, it is up to the club.

“But if it is my last game, it would be great to go out on a high, and in many respects it is all set up for me with the final being in Holland.

“But you still have to make it happen, and I’ll do everything in my power - along with my team-mates – to ensure it is an unforgettable day.”

Hasselbaink insists he has a lot to offer, confirming: “I feel I can play two more years.

“I’m fit, and although sometimes I need more than a day to recover, I definitely feel I can score more goals at Premiership level.

“When I do finish, I want to do so at the highest level. With all due respect, I don’t want to play in the lower leagues.”

Hasselbaink knows this is almost certain to be his last chance to win a major trophy, and it shows how much it means to him as he admits he is “sleeping less and less” as the game draws near.

“I am really looking forward to this because I’m 34, and I didn’t think this would be happening to me at 34,” smiled Hasselbaink.

“I am getting more excited as the days pass, and with it being in Holland it makes it more special for me.

“It’s also more difficult because I need something like 30 tickets for family and friends!

“But it would be great to end the season on a high. Despite what we have achieved in previous rounds, I’ve said before ’we’ve won nothing’. Now we have to go there and win.

“It’s been an amazing ride this season, and hopefully there is a beautiful end.

“It’s going to be hard, but definitely possible. To win the UEFA Cup would be one of the biggest achievements of my career.”

It appears certain goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will play on Wednesday, despite fracturing a cheekbone following a collision with striker Dean Ashton in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to West Ham.

Schwarzer trained today with the aid of a protective face mask that requires ratification from UEFA, although boss Steve McClaren does not believe that will be a problem.

“He is fit at the moment, and he came through training very well,” confirmed McClaren.

“He doesn’t look very good, but as long as the mask is effective and UEFA pass it on the day of the game, what a massive boost it will be for us.

“I’m delighted he has a chance to play, and I know the mask won’t affect him, not Mark Schwarzer, not for the UEFA Cup final.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Players don’t even think about being hurt or injured. They will play through anything.”