Pedro: Diego perfect for us

DIEGO COSTA may not have quite the same world-class status as some strikers in the Premier League, but team-mate Pedro would not swap him for anybody.

Speculation linking Costa, right, with a £30 million-ayear move to China was finally killed off by the Spain forward’s pointed goal celebration in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Hull City.

Pedro, who played at Barcelona alongside Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic for two seasons, admits Chelsea would have struggled to find a replacement. “He is a very good striker,” said Pedro. “I have played with world stars like Ibrahimovic. But Costa is a very good striker too, a very good runner, strong physically and scores more goals for the team. He is perfect for Chelsea. “He has been training very well with his team-mates. He is very happy to be here in the club, and that is the most important thing.” MIDDLESBROUGH legend Bernie Slaven has hit back at Aitor Karanka for criticising fans. Boro boss Karanka, left, labelled the atmosphere at the Riverside “awful” after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by West Ham and said fans should show his players more respect. “He’s entitled to his opinion but I cannot agree with him,” said Slaven, who made 307 appearances for the club. “The fans were brilliant.”