Middlesbrough boss makes 'not in my plans' admission after Newcastle defender stars in Birmingham City win

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg praised on-loan Newcastle United defender Matt Targett after he scored twice in Monday night’s 3-1 win at Championship rivals Birmingham City.

Hellberg’s side made a strong start at St Andrews and got their reward when Targett fired them ahead with a neat touch and finish just before the quarter-hour mark before doubling his tally and his side’s lead with 25 minutes on the clock. Marvin Ducksch got the hosts back into the game four minutes into the second half but Boro would not be denied and a David Strelec goal on the hour-mark ensured they landed what could be a massive three points in the race for the Premier League.

Hellberg admitted there was some surprise in seeing the on-loan Magpies star score twice to put his side on their way to a win in the MIdlands and described Targett as ‘absolutely brilliant’ during his time at the Riverside Stadium.

He said: “The big difference was the defensive shape. Sometimes you get those things right, sometimes wrong. To guess Matt was going to score two goals from that position was not in the plans. But he did brilliantly, he deserved it. I’m very happy for him (Targett), he’s such a good guy. He’s been playing through pain, all sorts of things in different periods. He’s always got a smile on his face and been absolutely brilliant. Of course, it was connected with how we wanted to press them, and that showed how good they are in adapting to different game plans.”

Pressure

After what had been an underwhelming fortnight that brought a defeat at Coventry City and lacklustre home draws with struggling Leicester City and Oxford United, Boro bounced back in some style with what was a very impressive three points at Birmingham. The win also means Hellberg’s side have moved within five points of current Championship leaders Coventry and the Swede has called for consistency from his players as they look to bring a successful end to their push for promotion.

He said: “It was a good day. There will be pressure all the time. Now the form has changed because we have seven wins, two draws and a loss, strongest in the league so that’s how quick it can change. We win, we lose, we work the same way. One loss in two years at this place for Birmingham and a Premier League team (drew) here two weeks ago (Leeds in the FA Cup). They are a very good side and how we handled this game apart from the first 10 minutes feels brilliant.”

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