Watmore getting a new deal after double downs Millwall

MILLWALL were brought to their knees by Middlesbrough’s first-half blitz.

Duncan Watmore hit a double to make it four goals in only six appearances since signing a short-term deal last month after his summer release from Sunderland.

And, in between Watmore’s brace, Marcus Tavernier hit a stunning strike as Boro raced into a threegoal lead after 20 minutes.

Boss Neil Warnock revealed that forward Watmore is in line for a contract extension.

Warnock said: “Duncan took his goals well and he’s a super lad to work with. We haven’t agreed financially but I’ve already told him we’re going to take him on if he wants.’’

Warnock added: “We concentrated on trying to get a quick start – but in my wildest dreams, I didn’t think it’d be that quick!’’

Had Boro supporters been in attendance, they would have been in dreamland as their side struck twice in two minutes. Former Millwall midfielder George Saville slid the ball out to Marvin Johnson in the 13th minute and the winger’s low, left-wing centre presented Watmore (below) with a tap-in.

Boro doubled their lead when Tavernier cut in from the right and cracke cracked a left-foot effort inside the far post.

Saville was instrumental again on 20 minutes. This time he scuffed a shot and it broke for Watmore for another easy finish. Millwall boss Gary Rowett said: “We gave ourselves Mount Everest to climb. It was far too soft and poor defending. I’ve told the players it wasn’t acceptable.’’ MIDDLESBROUGH: Bettinelli 7; Dijksteel 7 (Roberts 88th), Fry 7, McNair 7, Bola 7; Saville 7, Morsy 7; Tavernier 7 (Wing

80th, 5), Watmore 8 (Spence (72nd) 5), Johnson 7 (Coulson

79th); Akpom 6 (Assombalonga (72nd) 5) Bialkowski 6; Hutchinson 5, Pearce 5 (Bodvarsson (23rd) 5) Cooper 5; Romeo 5 (Thompson (60th)

5), Leonard 5, Woods 5, Malone 5; J Wallace 5 Romeo 5 (Thompson (60th) 5), Leonard 5, Woods 5, Malone 5; J Wallace 5 (Ferguson 80th), Bennett 5 (Smith (60thth) 6); Parrott 5 (Burey (59th) 5)

Duncan Watmore

D Bond