Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BACUNA THE STARTER
No worries as the kid who can’t stop scoring set for full debut
JUNINHO BACUNA has given Danny Cowley a selection headache because of his supersub heroics.
Bacuna has scored in Huddersfield’s last three games and Cowley says the Dutchman, 22, is pushing hard to make his first start under him tonight against
Boro.
“He’s a good kid, full of personality and it’s about how to get the most out of him,” said the Terriers boss.
“Juninho has been excellent and his contribution has been obvious. He’s had a major impact on all four games in one way or another and scored three in 70odd minutes.
“He’s a kid who’s got everything and can be anything he wants to be. The only thing that can stop him is him and we want to give him the environment and the head space to be what he can be.
“He’s a big character, so he’s always at the front of your mind and as a manager you want these selection dilemmas.”
Cowley is wary of Middlesbrough, even though they have won just two Championship games and taken only one point from their last five matches. “There’s no doubting the quality in their squad and we anticipate a very tough game,” he added.
“But we’re buoyed by being four unbeaten and the goal now is to go five and then six unbeaten.”
Boro midfielder George Saville (above) reckons his side are ready to “get after” Town in tonight’s relegation battle.
Jonathan Woodgate’s side will be thrown into crisis mode if they lose to their fellow strugglers on live TV tonight. Saville accepts performances have been unacceptable over the last month, but believes they hit on a solid set-up against
West Brom, despite losing.
“This shape does seem to suit us. We have three centre halves in there, a solid midfield,” he said.
“We have a lot of strong midfielders and we’ve tightened up and looked better.
“The game is to try to press them and get after them. We created a few chances and will take the positives.”
Boss Woodgate will continue to be upbeat, despite a poor start to his reign.
He said: “We have to stay bright, keep a smile on our faces, work for each. Put together a few wins on the trot and you can shoot up this league.”