Silvera joined Boro from Central Coast Mariners two years ago, but his time in English football so far has not exactly gone to plan. He was a fringe figure in his first season on Teesside, struggling to make an impact under Michael Carrick, before his two loan moves last term were something of a disaster.
An initial spell at Portsmouth was cut short when the Pompey fans turned against him after a series of underwhelming displays, while a subsequent four-months stay at Blackpool saw him handed just three league starts for the League One club.
Had Carrick continued in charge of Boro this summer, Silvera would almost certainly have been cast aside. Edwards was adamant he was going to give everyone a fresh start following his appointment as Carrick’s successor last month, though, and Boro’s new head coach has been impressed with Silvera’s attitude and approach.
As a result, when Edwards named his starting line-up for Boro’s opening pre-season friendly at Mansfield on Saturday, Silvera was selected ahead of both Neto Borges and Alex Bangura at left wing-back.
“Sammy has really impressed since returning,” said Edwards. “He’s always got a smile on his face and has a real energy. He wants to press, he wants to sprint back, and he’s got some real qualities on the ball.
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“He has impressed me. That’s what I want from everyone. He’s a great kid. He came to see me. I won’t tell you the whole conversation, but he’s just dead keen to be here.
“He took some responsibility himself, and he’s just shown a great attitude over the three weeks so far. I want to see that, and I’m sure the supporters do too.”
Boro return to pre-season action against Bradford City tomorrow night, and Silvera is expected to be involved again at Valley Parade.
It remains to be seen whether he is able to force his way into Edwards’ matchday squad for the opening game of the Championship season against Swansea City next month, but from a position where he looked all-but-certain to be leaving Teesside this summer, he now finds himself back in the mix for a first-team place.
“We all want to see players who want to play for the supporters and the shirt,” added Edwards. “Sammy is really showing that at the moment.
“Whether he starts, whether he doesn’t, he wants to be here, and he’s showing that in his attitude. If everyone can show the same desire, we’ll be alright.”