Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy was less than impressed when confronted with a statistic about Middlesbrough (Ipswich Town’s next opponents) striker David Nugent.
The Middlesbrough forward has scored no fewer than 15 goals in 14 matches against the tractor boys. A remarkable record and yet he may miss out on a start on Saturday with Jordan Rhodes in such good form himself.
The story actually dates back to 2013, when Leicester played Ipswich at Portman Road and Nugent helped himself to two goals as they ran out 2-1 winners.
Presented with the impressive record Mcarthy turned the air blue saying. “I’m ******* delighted for him, let’s hope they get promoted so he can p*** off out of my sight, that would be great that.”
Boro fans will be hoping for a similar reaction on Saturday as it means they will have done their job.
It will be fascinating to see if former England international Nugent gets the nod with big money signing Jordan Rhodes scoring 4 in his last 5 games. Nugent will hope that Karanka realises the success he has had against Ipswich and gives him a start.
Nugent revealed that Ipswich have tried to sign him on a number of occasions in the past. Three times to be exact.
I like it here – I just wish I could play here every week!” Nugent told the East Anglian Daily Times after scoring against Ipswich in November 2013.
“I’ve had my chances to do that actually. Ipswich wanted me when I was first coming through at Bury, but I was young (20) and decided it was too far away. I ended up moving to Preston.
“Then, when I was at Portsmouth, I was coming back from a hernia operation and Jim Magilton gave me a call and asked if I fancied a loan here.
“I didn’t want to come to a club, having not played for three months, and not look my sharpest. I decided not to make the move, concentrate on getting fit at Portsmouth and we won the FA Cup that year – so I think I made the right decision.
“I’d heard strong rumours that Ipswich wanted me again in 2011 (under Paul Jewell’s management), but as soon as Leicester showed interest my mind was made up.”
The last time these two teams met was December last year with Boro giving an away day masterclass winning 2-0 with Nugent scoring late in the game to uphold his fantastic scoring record.
Ahead of the clash with Boro at the Riverside Mcarthy asked where his players have gone, criticising his team’s recent performances following his side’s 1-1 draw with Fulham. He told The club’s website.
“We were all over the place for the goal. After we scored, we had players getting around the pitch and getting in their box but until that, it was flat.
“I look back on some of the performances (this season) where we had players getting around the pitch at pace.
“We played at a good tempo and looked a potent force. I wonder where that team has gone, certainly over the last three or four games at home.”
Ipswich Town made the play-offs last season but currently are outside the top 6. Boro will look to reward a full Riverside Stadium with 3 points and take another step towards the Premier League.
