By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has heaped plaudits on Chuba Akpom after the forward netted a hat-trick in the 4-1 win against Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.
Akpom has now scored nine goals in the league and 12 in all competitions.
The 25-year-old is also now level at the top of the Sky Bet Championship goal charts with Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Carrick said: “We spoke at half-time about the key positions in the game and trying to work more space, especially for Duncan (Watmore) and Chuba.
“We felt we could cause them more problems than we did in the first half, and the boys did well, especially in possession.
“We played some terrific football and Chuba got on the end of it. He’ll get the headlines and praise for the goals but it was more the link-up play and the problems he caused them.
“I’m delighted for him. He’s on a right purple patch at the minute and long may it continue.”
