Giant-killing is no tall order for Howson’s Boro
JONNY HOWSON says giant-killing Middlesbrough have proved their credentials to mix it with the big boys.
And now he has challenged Boro to show they are good enough to play the elite on a regular basis.
Skipper Howson was the driving force behind his side’s dramatic FA Cup fifth-round win over Tottenham, following on from Boro knocking out Manchester United in the previous round.
But with Chris Wilder’s side hovering just outside the Championship play-offs, the 33-yearold will be just as fired up for Saturday’s clash with promotion rivals Luton when they will be bidding for an eighth straight home win.
“Nights like that don’t come around too often,” said Howson after 19-yearold Josh Coburn’s extra-time winner sent Spurs crashing out.
“As much as you want to make the most of it and enjoy the occasion, it is difficult at times because we have another important game coming up.”
Howson, however, knows the win has given Boro a huge psychological boost for the run-in this season and also for taking on Premier League sides next term if they do go up. “We have proved we can compete against these top sides,” he said. “That is where this club wants to be playing and we are working as hard as possible.”
Howson believes matchwinner Coburn has the right mindset – as well as the ability – to go all the way.
“He is such a nice guy, you want people like that to do well,” said Howson. “I’m over the moon for him and he’ll remember the night forever.
“We see him day in day out and he works hard, applies himself, does the right things. He’s going to have a great future because of his attitude and the ability to match it.”