'10-out-of-10' Targett a big player in Boro charge

Few would have had Matt Targett down as a match-winner in Middlesbrough's tough-looking trip to Birmingham City.

Not surprising, given that Targett, who has spent nearly all his career as a left-back, had managed seven goals in 252 career games.

But after watching Targett score twice in Boro's impressive 3-1 victory - the first time he has netted more than once in a game - the question was 'why not?'

The 30-year-old took both his strikes in the cold-blooded manner of Erling Haaland to put his side back on track in the Championship promotion race.

"I don't think anyone was expecting me to score two goals," Targett told BBC Radio Tees.

"But in training I'm probably one of the best finishers."

Targett is on a season loan at the Riverside Stadium from Newcastle United where he has played a key role in Boro's fine season.

After only 31 appearances in the previous three seasons with Newcastle, Targett has managed 33 this term, scoring four goals, including the first one of head coach Kim Hellberg's reign in November.

He has played at left-back primarily, but also had spells as a left wing-back and also in central defence when Boro were short.

There was worry that Targett would be recalled by his parent club in January when Newcastle were facing injuries in defence, but Eddie Howe resisted, much to Boro and Hellberg's gain.

The Swede's switch from a back four to a back five paid dividends at Birmingham, with Targett benefiting from extra attacking licence as he broke the offside trap for the first and then was unmarked in the area for his second.

"Playing wing-back, you get more of an opportunity going forward," he said.

"So it was nice to get in the final third, get in the box and score two goals. It helped the team and a massive three points."

'Pleasure to work with Matt'

A promotion winner during a loan spell with Fulham in 2018, Targett has been able to bring his experience to bear at Middlesbrough.

And according to Hellberg, his night in the spotlight was deserved for the value he has in the squad.

"I'm very, very happy for Matt, because he's been working hard every day, every training," said Hellberg.

"He's an absolutely fantastic human being. He smiles every day, he does everything for the team, he's 10 out of 10 in almost everything.

"It's a pleasure to work with him. He deserved that one and it made me very happy."