Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis was full of praise for match-winner Lewis Wing, after his side got the better of Premier League side Crystal Palace to progress to the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Wing’s long range strike beat Palace ‘keeper Vicente Guaita in first half stoppage time, scoring the only goal of the game to carry Middlesbrough to the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup. The Boro have been tied up with League One Burton Albion in the next round – and will have to be wary of a Brewers side who upset Nottingham Forest in the Fourth Round.
Boro manager Tony Pulis spoke to Teesside Live after the game, and hailed Wing for his impressive performance.
“He’s a good player, he’s got lots to improve on and lots to learn,” the Gaffer said
“He’s a bit naive in certain things at the moment but he’s a wonderful, wonderful lad and loves every minute of playing football.
“We got him to sign a new contract, which we’re delighted about. He’s got to keep his feet on the ground, keep working hard and doing what he does, one day he’ll be a regular in the team.”
Pulis went on to discuss Wednesday night’s game, and was glad that his side weren’t made to rue their missed chances in the first half.
“We played really well in the first half.
“There’s this disease we’ve got where we create great opportunities and don’t turn enough into chances. When we do, we don’t score enough. It was a wonder goal, wonderful strike.
“We deserved to be one up. In the second half we had to show what we’ve got, that is plenty of spirit, plenty of resilience.
“I’m really pleased, Palace are a Premier League club, you know they’ll have moments but we restricted them.”
However, the injury to Southampton loanee Sam McQueen came as a blow to the Championship side, despite the victory.
“It’s a knee injury,” Pulis revealed.
“We’re not sure what it is. He’ll go for a scan tomorrow. At the moment, fingers crossed it’s not too serious.”
The Boro face Burton Albion in their Quarter-Final clash, and will have to be careful not to get complacent. Despite their poor start to League One, Nigel Clough’s side have put in impressive performances in their Carabao Cup campaign.
“We played Burton last year and they absolutely murdered us. We scored a late goal and and were very fortunate.
“I watched them play Nottingham Forest, they were by far the better team, they created best chances and if anybody takes them lightly you’ll get the same result.
“I have great respect for Nigel, they’re a very hard working team, well set up and they’ve got nothing to lose.”
