Boro are in a precarious postion, in the league, at the moment but Saturday is a chance for a moral boosting cup win over minnows Barrow and an opportunity for some of the fringe players to make a big impact.
Boro's younger winger Adam Johnson is likely to make an appearance and could be a key player if his personal run of form continues.
Earlier in the season, when results were going our way, ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton caught up with Johnson and asked him his views on the benefits of youth, new team mates and how it feels always coming second to Stewart Downing...
EB: "A lot has been made of the Boro being a 'young and naïve' team, do you think that is a fair criticism?"
AJ: "People are always going to ask questions of a young team. It is a very tight table but we are there and obviously playing well at the moment."
"We are young lads so we do it week in week out, hopefully we can continue."
EB: "The team has changed a lot recently, who has really impressed you as a new signing?"
AJ: "Justin Hoyte, maybe. Obviously coming from Arsenal and going to a slightly lower team, he had a big reputation and he came in and showed the right attitude. He's playing well and going from strength to strength."
EB: "Some of the players have been speculating on where Boro will finish this season and about getting into Europe, what do you see as the aims for the team this season?"
AJ: "We are just going one step at a time, it is very early to comment on that. We just want to carry on going the way we are. We can start talking about things like that maybe near May."
EB: "You have not had the opportunity to play many games this season with Stewart Downing playing in the same position. How frustrating is that for you?"
AJ: "It has always been the same. It is very frustrating but I've just got to keep playing. I think I have done well when I have played, I scored twice this season, ok it was in the cup games but it is always nice to score goals and if I get a few more games I will get a few more goals."
EB: "Ross Turnbull has come in and made a big impact, were you surprised by how well he has been playing?"
AJ: "I think he has been our player of the season so far. I think he has kept us in a lot of games. He made two fantastic saves against West Ham, right at the end. He is going from strength to strength."
EB: "You have played quite a lot for the England U21s, are you happy with your progress with the national team?"
AJ: "I have played quite a few times this season. We have to qualify and play. Obviously scoring was nice but we have to make progress to the Championships next season, hopefully we can do well."
Johnson had a very good game against Arsenal and was a bright spot in the dire team performance against Everton on Boxing Day, let us hope he can continue to give Southgate options and maybe get one of those golden goals he tends to score in cup matches this evening.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 2/1/2009
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