More to come from Jutkiewicz - Mowbray (From The Northern Echo)

More to come from Jutkiewicz - Mowbray

8:00am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Sport By Scott Wilson

TONY Mowbray claims the best is yet to come from Lukas Jutkiewicz, even though the striker's second goal in the space of two matches earned Middlesbrough a much-needed win over Nottingham Forest yesterday evening.

Six days after breaking his Boro duck with a clinical strike in the FA Cup replay defeat to Sunderland, Jutkiewicz drilled in another precise effort to help secure a first Championship victory of 2012.

The former Coventry striker's goal doubled the Teessiders' lead after Marvin Emnes had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a finish that owed much to a deflection off Guy Moussi.

Nottingham Forest clawed a goal back through Joel Lynch, and Boro's task became all the more difficult when Kevin Thomson was harshly dismissed for two second-half bookings.

But Jutkiewicz's goal ultimately proved crucial, and while Mowbray has been delighted with his January signing's impact, he remains confident there is still much more to come from the 22-year-old.

"He's still learning how to play the way we want him to, but he battles away and he's doing ever so well," said the Middlesbrough manager. "I've never had a centre-forward who's just there to head it and we want him to come and play with the rest of the team a bit more.

"But that's two goals from him now and I'm sure there's more to come.

"He's showing his worth around the edge of the box and that was a great goal with his left foot the way he turned and hit it.

"I'm sure he'll score lots more goals like the one he's scored tonight. He's showed what he's all about and I'm sure there'll be plenty more goals in the future."

The victory lifted Boro back up to eighth position in the table and keeps them within a point of the play-off places ahead of next Tuesday's trip to Millwall.

"It was two clubs who were desperate for the three points for different reasons, so I'm happy we've won," said Mowbray.

"I think the supporters who came along could see a team that were putting everything in.

"We played some nice football and got our rewards right at the end of the first half. I always talk about getting that second goal for a bit of comfort and it paid dividends for us because we were hanging on a bit towards the end.

"I thought it was a fantastic effort in the end to see it out with ten men."

Boro were reduced to ten men when Thomson was controversially dismissed for what appeared to be an attempt to block a cross from Adlene Guedioura.

"It was a difficult game for the official, but I thought he made it difficult for himself at times," said Mowbray.

"I've watched the tackles back and, if that's a sending off, the game is going to wrack and ruin."

Prior to last night's game, Boro confirmed defender Stephen McManus has joined Bristol City on loan until the end of the season.

There is no formal agreement for a permanent transfer next summer, but it is understood the Teessiders will look to move the Scotsman on in the close season.