Gibson: Boro’s Negredo got the goals he deserves

He may not have scored since the opening day of the season, but Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo never stopped working and got his just rewards when bagging a brace against Leicester City, according to teammate Ben Gibson.

Gibson captained the Teessiders on Saturday, as Negredo twice gave his side the lead before the reigning Premier League champions eventually came back to earn a point at the King Power.

And the 23-year-old praised his Spanish colleague’s work ethic, attitude and desire to end his barren run, which eventually paid dividends on Saturday.

“Alvaro was fantastic,” the Riverside youth product said.

“He held the ball up well and fought for everything. He’s been working really hard up there all season.

“At Leicester, he got his just rewards and long may that continue.

“We controlled the game.”

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Islam Slimani’s 94th-minute penalty left Middlesbrough fans deflated, but Gibson said their performance showed positive signs for the season left ahead of them.

“It’s not an easy place to come, the home of the champions, and it’s a sucker punch to draw in that manner in the end,” he added.

“It’s frustrating because we deserved to win. But we have to be proud of our performances and take the positives.

“It’s hard but we have to take it on the chin and get on with it.”