Switch-hitter Howson eyes promotion slot

JONNY HOWSON feared the worst when Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis asked him to play in an unfamiliar wing-back role in a bid to find the winning formula at the Riverside.

No wins in five home games and just five goals in the previous 10 on Teesside called for a tactical shake-up, leading to the experienced midfielder playing out of his comfort zone.

Howson revealed: “The last time I had to go to right-back was for Leeds, 30 minutes into a game because we had a man sent off and we ended up losing 5-0.

“Thankfully, it went a better than that did.”

The Boro crowd were becoming restless before Jordan Hugill fired them ahead from the penalty spot and it was from Howson’s assist that sub Marcus Tavernier extended the lead.

With both Leeds and Norwich losing, Boro are just six points off an automatic promotion slot and the 30-yearold feels that after a tough period, they are back on track.

Howson (right) said: “Football can change very quickly in a matter of days. To lose at home to

Sheffield Wednesday was disappointing but fair bit we’ve responded. The majority of teams go through difficult spells during a season and it’s how you can ride them out.

“Hopefully, we’ve had that blip and can now get a result at Derby.”

Pulis will be hoping Rajiv van La Parra’s arrival from

Huddersfield adds a cutting edge.

But despite their attacking flaws, Boro remain a tough nut to crack.

“It obviously helped getting that penalty,” added Howson.

“But when we do score first, our record is very good.”

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert remains bullish about his side’s survival prospects and his players share the Scot’s optimism.

The home match with Millwall tomorrow is massive.

Stalwart Luke Chambers said: “It will turn. We can’t continue playing the way we are and dominating possession without it doing. We just have to have the confidence to really go and make things happen in the final third.”

Chambers felt the 37thminute penalty for a push on Hugill (left) was harsh – and delivered a scathing verdict on Boro.

“I don’t think we’ve ever come here and dominated like that,” he added.

“They’ve spent a lot of money but don’t seem to have a game plan.

“The penalty decision is bizarre. It feels like everything that can go against us at the minute, is.

“Even their second goal came from nowhere.”