Woodgate praises Black Cats boss Jack Ross

Middlesbrough first-team head coach Jonathan Woodgate was impressed with what he saw after watching the club’s under-23 side beat Sunderland 3-2 on Monday night.

Boro came from behind at Eppleton CW to beat a Black Cats team which included new first-team signings Joel Lynch and Laurens De Bock.

Woodgate observed the match from the stands, where he was able to catch up with Sunderland manager and good friend Jack Ross.

“I was just speaking to him, he was asking how I was finding it. I’m loving it.” said Woodgate when asked about the Black Cats boss.

“I love him as a guy and as a player he was fantastic, what an example and a role model he is to the younger players. It was a good chat.”

Woodgate was also impressed with Boro’s performance on the night and praised the work that under-23 coaches Graeme Lee and Danny Schofield are doing with the group.

Two Stephen Walker penalties and a close-range finish from substitute Rumarn Burrell gave Boro all three points against Sunderland in the Premier League 2, Division 2 clash.

Black Cats striker Benji Kimpioka had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot while Lee Connelly grabbed a late consolation goal eight minutes from time.

“The performance they gave against Sunderland was really, really good,” added Woodgate. “Graeme and Danny are working really well with them and they are showing some good signs.”

*Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has backed midfielder Lewis Cook to recapture top form and put himself in contention for another opportunity with England after his return from injury.

Cook made a welcome return from a serious knee injury with a first appearance since December 2018 in the 3-1 win over Everton.

"Lewis is a very important player, someone we really like as a player and a person all the way through his rehab," the Bournemouth manager said.

"He is very highly thought of, so if he gets a good run of form and stays fit, then I think he has got every chance (of an England recall ahead of Euro 2020)."