Gordon Strachan backing Roy Keane
Feb 6 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
“We have a few new faces playing, we have to because we are short in the middle,” the Boro boss added.
“We have strikers which we have had all season, we have a choice in defence which is great, but one or two of the midfielders have disappeared.
“We are like a golfer who can drive well, hit towards the green and then when we get to the putting we have got yips.”
The most prominent new face is Scott McDonald, who will be given the daunting task of replacing Boro’s creator-in-chief Adam Johnson. “Scott has proven he can score goals. You can’t score at any higher level than the Champions League,” he said.
“He scored against AC Milan, Manchester United. It’s his presence in the dressing room, the way you behave yourself, the organisation.
“All of these guys have got that. Stephen, Willo Flood, Robbo, they have been here less than three weeks and they have all got homes for their families. The others are moving in next week.
“We have had some players at this club and it’s taken them six weeks to even get out of the hotel. It’s called responsibility and being able to look after yourself.
“Stephen can deal with the pressure. Celtic turned down an offer of £75,000 from St Mirren for Stephen. From there he went on to become Celtic and Scotland captain. That’s a fantastic honour.”
Strikers David Healy and Daryl Murphy are in contention to start for Ipswich after joining on loan from Sunderland. Captain Jon Walters (hamstring) and goalkeepers Richard Wright (knee) and Brian Murphy (ankle) are unavailable. Winger Luciano Civelli (knee) will not play again this season.
New signings Scott McDonald, Lee Miller and Kyle Naughton go straight into the Middlesbrough squad, joining Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Stephen McManus. Barry Robson is suspended. Isaiah Osbourne has returned to Aston Villa after his loan deal while Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz (hamstring), Jeremie Aliadiere (ankle) and Rhys Williams, (pelvic injury) are all still out.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Ipswich W D W D L; Middlesbrough L L D W D
Top scorers (all matches): Jonathan Walters & Jonathan Stead (Ipswich) 6; Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough) 14
Match odds: H 13-10 A 13-8 D 11-5
Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).
