Newport 2-0 Middlesbrough: Mikel not listed
Nigerian international, John Mikel Obi was not in the Middlesbrough squad that crashed out of last night’s Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round replay against Newport County.
The English League two side beat Middlesbrough courtesy of goals from Robbie Wilmot in the 47th minute and Padraig Amond in the 67th minute to seal progression into the next round of the competition.
Last Monday, Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis heaped plaudits on Mikel but opted to rest the Eagles’ captain for next Championship game at home against Leeds United on Saturday.
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 ex-Chelsea midfielder was particularly outstanding in last Saturday’s 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, and Pulis didn’t hide his admiration for the Nigeria captain.
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“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.
“He’s a great character in the dressing room and he’s got the quality you need.”