HE’S KEANE TO STRIKE
Robbie asked to hand his Midas touch to Boro forwards who seem allergic to goals
ROBBIE KEANE has been charged with the task of sharpening up Boro’s misfiring strike-force.
The Republic of Ireland legend (right, with his trademark celebration) has not been asked to pull on his boot again, 18 months after calling time on his playing career. But Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate reckons his No.2 can play a vital role in helping his struggling side out of the mess they’re in.
The Teessiders, who face Derby today, are without a win since September 14 and have not scored in 273 minutes of football.
And after a promising start to the campaign, out-of-sorts striker Britt Assombalonga (top) has scored just one goal in his last eight games.
“With his pedigree, Robbie can be a great help to our strikers,” said Woodgate, who is under no pressure from owner Steve Gibson despite Boro’s slide into the relegation zone.
“He has been there and done it so can appreciate what the forwards are going through and what it is like for them mentally as players expected to score goals.
“Of course, he’s been practising with them but there are not many more shooting sessions we can do.
“If you keep putting in the hours and working hard on the training ground, it will change. I’m convinced of that.
“But it’s not just about the strikers – Daniel Ayala, Paddy McNair, George Saville. If they get in front of goal, can they score?” Woodgate refuses to be downhearted by Boro’s poor form.
“I’m really confident and positive,” he added. “Other people might not be but, as far as myself, my staff and the players are concerned, we know it will turn sooner or later. “These days everyone seems to get joy out of being negative. That’s the nature of the beast but, believe me, that’s not how it is within the club.”