Middlesbrough striker Joseph-Desire Job says he prefers to play with a partner in attack than as a lone ranger. The Cameroon ace has often been asked to plough a lone furrow in attack this season, with Juninho deployed just being him providing the support.
It is a formation that Boro boss Steve McClaren has employed with mixed results this season and one the former Old Trafford number two may be tempted to persist with for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday.
Job, who was taken off at half-time for Saturday’s defeat at Charlton as Boro reverted to a conventional 4-4-2 formation, hopes he will have a sidekick for the clash against the Blues should he keep his place in the starting line-up.
He told the Evening Gazette: « To be fair I was surprised (to be taken off). I thought I did well first half considering the way we play with one man up front alone.
« I just felt I did okay but went off. It was a decision the manager had to take.
« By playing an extra striker we were better in the second half and caused Charlton problems.
« It’s very hard to play on your own up front unless you get help from the wide players.
« It’s easier when there is two strikers. In the Spurs match in the second half we caused them a lot of problems. But as long as we win on Saturday, that’s the most important thing. »
