Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has heaped plaudits on Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel ahead of the English Championship club’s Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round replay against Newport County on Tuesday, reports Completesports.com.
Mikel has made two appearances for Middlesbrough since linking up with the club on a short term contract during the January transfer window, one in the FA Cup and another in the Championship.
The former Chelsea midfielder was particularly outstanding in last Saturday’s 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, and Pulis can’t hide his admiration for the Nigeria captain.
Pulis has nothing but praise for Mikel who won three FA Cup titles during an illustrious career at Chelsea.
Also Read: Super Eagles Roundup: Balogun Benched Again, Success Absent; Mikel Stars, Subbed Off In Boro Win
”He was fantastic. He looked a little bit tired at the end but he’s a great lad, the lads have taken to him,” Pulis told reporters on Monday ahead of his side’s trip to Newport on Tuesday
”He’s a great character in the dressing room and he’s got the quality you need.”
A win in the game will see Middlesbrough come up against Manchester City in the fifth round of the competition.
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
If ex-England international Peter Crouch, best known for some truly stunning goals, can sign for a Premiership club at the age 38 then who is to say Mikel cannot return to the English Premier league with Middlesbrough.
I know his deal is only short term but if he continues to be impressive in the championship coupled with a good outing for Nigeria in the Afcon, then anything will be possible should Middlesbrough, who are currently 7 points behind league leaders Norwich city, gain promotion.
Peter Crouch’s deal with Burnley caught me by surprise I must confess because, at the age of 38, I never thought any Premiership club will go for him. That will teach me to never write anyone off!
One of Crouchie’s fantastic bicycle kicks:
https://youtu.be/AvbPf7xrfN4
Crouchie’s goals for Liverpool
https://youtu.be/rLWXh18WaAI