International break comes at wrong time for Middlesbrough - Friend

STAND-IN Middlesbrough captain George Friend admits he has mixed feelings about the onset of the fortnight’s international hiatus following the Teessiders’ 3-0 humbling at Hull City, writes Leon Wobschall.
RACE FOR THE LINE: Hull's Ahmed Elmohamady takes on Boro's George Friend at the KC Stadium.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeRACE FOR THE LINE: Hull's Ahmed Elmohamady takes on Boro's George Friend at the KC Stadium.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
RACE FOR THE LINE: Hull's Ahmed Elmohamady takes on Boro's George Friend at the KC Stadium. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The Tigers were full value for their third successive home win over Boro as they recorded their biggest home victory over the north-easterners since August, 1968.

It leaves Aitor Karanka’s men with plenty to ponder in the international break.

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Friend, handed the captain’s armband at the kick-off with Grant Leadbitter on the bench, said: “It’s unfortunate that there’s such a long break now and we can’t go straight into a Tuesday game, but it’s a good time for those who’ve picked up knocks to recuperate.

“Hull took their chances, they were a bit fortuitous with the second goal and the third goal was a mistake, but they have got a good squad with good players and perhaps we didn’t match them in all the areas.

“I had a good chance at 1-0 and I struck it well, and it was a good save from (Allan) McGregor. I don’t know how much he knew about it, but if that goes in it’s 1-1 and we probably have the upper hand away from home.”

Karanka pulled no punches and admitted that Boro got what they deserved against a side he rated as the best team that the Teessiders have faced this term.

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He bemoaned a lack of ambition from his side, who had to wait until Friend’s effort midway through the second half for their first attempt on target.

Friend added: “All the lads are going to work hard for the manager because we have a lot of respect for him.”