'He Is A Quality Player' - Middlesbrough Boss' Thoughts On Mikel After Debut

Published: January 27, 2019

One of the positives taken from Middlesbrough's disappointing 1-1 draw with Newport County in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday was the impressive display of John Obi Mikel.

Boro manager Tony Pulis has said that Mikel's 62 minute cameo was an indication of his quality despite his inactivity for club and country for three months.

''John (Obi Mikel) playing 60 minutes, playing the way he did. It's the first time he's had his boots on for a couple of months, Shotts (Ryan Shotton) playing 70 minutes as well, '' Pulis told reports post-match.

"John is a quality player, a great lad, a wonderful person. He'll be good for us but we've got to get him fit.

"I still thought we were in control of the game (after Mikel went off), apart from a few little breaks."

Mikel trained with his new teammates for only two days before his maiden appearance for Middlesbrough.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : mfc.co.uk