Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has praised Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho after his goal helped the club to a 2-1 win over Oxford United on Saturday.
The Super Eagles forward opened his account for Boro in the 48th minute, scoring from a Samuel Iling-Junior cross, to level things at the Riverside stadium after Michal Helik had put the visitors ahead.
Iheanacho who was making his eighth appearance since joining on-loan from Sevilla in January, had been without a league goal in two years and hit the woodwork in the first half before finally getting his goal after the restart.
Speaking after the game, Carrick was full of praise for the former Leicester City striker. He said: “Good player, you know, he’s a good player. He’s proven, experienced, and I’m sure he was a bit frustrated because he had a chance in the first half, and it didn’t go in. It hit the crossbar, but that’s football, you know.
The major thing I’ve learned over the years is to not get carried away when you’re having a sticky patch because the only way you can get out of it is to be positive”, he added.
Brazilian international Neto Borges scored the winner in the 80th minute as Middlesbrough kept their championship playoff hopes alive by moving up to seventh on the standings, outside of a spot in the top six by virtue of goal difference.
“I thought the boys stood by each other really well, supported each other really well, and Kelz [Iheanacho] got his reward. It’s a really important goal for us, and I’m sure that’ll kickstart him as well.
He is happy. We are trying to keep the smile off Neto’s face as much as anything! He was delighted too, but Kel knows it. He has played at a level, and goals make you feel a bit better, naturally.
I wasn’t concerned; I knew he would score, and hopefully, he has got more in him; I am sure he has. It was a massive goal for us,” Carrick concluded.
With chances of an automatic return to the English Premier league all but gone, Carrick and his side will hope to continue their hunt for a playoff spot when they travel to face Blackburn Rovers on Friday, hoping to secure a third win in four games.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
