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Middlesbrough 0 Burnley 2: Alternative forward threat now required by Boro, says Mowbray
Tony Mowbray was forced to admit his team needs a ‘Plan B’ up front after seeing his side slip to defeat at home to Burnley.
Shot-shy Boro gave Lukas Jutkiewicz his debut, signing him on an emergency loan deal in order to play against Burnley while Boro finalise a permanent move from Coventry.
But it proved in vain as first-half goals from Jay Rodriguez and Kieran Trippier condemned the Teessiders to defeat at the Riverside.
“It was frustrating not to tie it up properly in time for him to play,” admitted manager Mowbray. “Everything is done and everything is agreed but we missed the deadline to register.
“So we asked the Football League about a loan move and they gave us the go-ahead.
“We needed him because on Friday we only had one fit striker. Scott McDonald has been ill but he pulled a shirt on and played or there is every chance Lukas might have started even though he hasn’t trained with the team. Lukas gives an extra dimension up front. He is big and physical and strong and has qualities we didn’t have in the squad and that means we can utilise a different approach if we need it.
“And we do at times. We know that. We huffed and puffed at times and we couldn’t score a goal.
“That has been an issue for us for a while now but usually we have managed to nick one and win 1-0. We couldn’t do that against Burnley and it was very frustrating. We are all disappointed.”
Burnley boss Eddie Howe was delighted with the polished win from his side.
“We’ve won seven out of nine now.
“There’s no reason if this squad can keep it up that we can’t compete with the very best in this league,” he said.
Middlesbrough: Ripley,Bennett,Bates, Rhys Williams, Hoyte, Arca (McMahon 68), Smallwood (Jutkiewicz 57), Thomson, Emnes, Haroun, McDonald (Zemmama 75). Unused substitutes: McManus,Martin.
Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Duff, Edgar, Mee, Stanislas (Bartley 55), McCann, Marney, Wallace, Rodriguez, Paterson (Austin 85). Unused substitutes: Jensen, Vokes, Easton.
Referee: R Madley (West Yorkshire).
Boro man of the match: L Jutkiewicz.
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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