Town manager Paul Jewell is confident that striker Michael Chopra will take any chances which come his way at Middlesbrough on Saturday. The former Cardiff man missed a number of opportunities in the 3-0 victory over Coventry on Monday but created the second and third goals for Keith Andrews and Jason Scotland, who has confirmed that the Teessiders have shown interest in him.

Jewell said: “In fairness to Chops that was as many opportunities as he’s had all season in one game.

“Obviously, we wanted him to score goals but as an ex-striker yourself myself, you’d rather be missing them than not getting chances.

“In fairness to the strikers they’ve been feeding off scraps really. When you look at the majority of our games this season, we’ve not been making that many opportunities. I’m sure if he gets three of those opportunities on Saturday he’ll at least take one of them.”

The Blues boss was delighted with his side’s attacking play against the Sky Blues: “There’s no doubt about it, at times going forward we were very good. But we’re not getting two carried away about one results, in the same way as we don’t get carried away by a couple of poor results.

“It was pleasing to create the opportunities we did and the game should have been over at half-time.

“If we had gone in four or five up at half-time I don’t think anyone would have complained, but we didn’t and even at 2-0 in our situation at the moment the third goal was always going to be vital. If they’d got it would have been edgy, but luckily enough we got it.”

Jewell says man of the match Aaron Cresswell has taken the extra attention in his stride: “He’s a great kid, the lads really like him and the supporters have taken him to their hearts.

“He’s been terrific. We’re always searching to try and pick up players at that level because I do believe that there are players down there who can step up. It’s just finding the right ones.

“It’s a chance you take, and certainly Cressy’s taken his chance and he’s got huge potential, which he will hopefully fulfil with us.”

Meanwhile, striker Jason Scotland has confirmed reports linking tomorrow’s opponents Boro with him both before the transfer window closed and more recently: “The manager has told me they are interested. I think they spoke to him before the transfer deadline closed.

“I’m told they were just enquiring, I don’t think a bid ever came in, but I told the manager I was happy here. It’s good to know that people are still interested in you and still look at you highly.”

Scotland, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was also linked with Coventry in August, while the 32-year-old was unable to agree personal terms with Blackpool.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

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