Middlesbrough Coach Explains Why Akpom's Goal On Debut Will Do Him A World Of Good

A week after completing a move to Middlesbrough, former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom was handed his full debut in a Championship match against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, September 26.

The signs were positive in Akpom's first appearance for Boro, with the former England U21 international scoring nineteen minutes into his debut, flicking a header into the far corner to open the scoring.

Bright Osayi-Samuel's first of the season, in the 28th minute, allowed the Hoops to salvage a draw.

Boro coach Kevin Blackwell believes Akpom's goal has taken a lot of weight off his shoulders as he's no longer under pressure to get off the mark.

In quotes carried by Teesside Live, Blackwell stated : "What's the perfect start for a striker? It's getting a goal on your debut and he's done exactly that.

"It's important as a striker you're seen to do your job and that is scoring goals.

"That has taken a lot of weight off his shoulders, psychologically whether he thinks about it or not."

Against Queens Park Rangers, Akpom netted his first goal for a Football League club since January 30, 2016 when he scored his first senior hat-trick in a 3-1 win vs Bury in the FA Cup while wearing the colours of Hull City.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : mfc.co.uk