Strachan coy over Johnson

O'Driscoll admits his side were well beaten

Last updated: 27th January 2010  

Strachan coy over Johnson

Strachan: Quiet on Johnson

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Gordon Strachan would not be drawn on the future of Adam Johnson, while Sean O'Driscoll had no complaints over Doncaster's heavy home defeat.

Johnson, who has been strongly linked with a Middlesbrough exit in January with Chelsea believed to keen, scored twice and created one for team-mate Jonathan Franks in their 4-1 success at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Leroy Lita stepped off the bench to find the net in a rare success for Strachan's side, while Jordon Mutch marked his loan arrival for Rovers with a stunning strike which was nothing more than a consolation.

When asked about Johnson, whose opener was a goal of the highest quality, Strachan said: "I admire him as a bloke and a man yes, as well as a footballer.

"His contract has still got six months to go. It's still the same situation, I'm here to talk about the game.

"It was a terrific goal, it was a fantastic strike, that is what he can do. He made the second goal and scored both his goals. We had some good performances out there.

"It's just scoring goals and if we get that organised we'll be fine."

Big fan

When asked about the rumours North of the border linking Celtic's Stephen McManus with a move to the club, Strachan added: "I think it has been well documented that I'm a big fan of his and he's not getting a game at Celtic.

"I've asked him if he wants to come here and he's desperate to and it's now a case of trying to do a deal with Celtic."

The Boro boss also admitted he was glad his side got the rub of the green for once to see off Rovers.

"I think Doncaster are unfortunate that we have been unlucky in a few games recently and lady luck has been on our side tonight," he said.

"We had controlled the game at Sheffield Untied and should never have got beat there and we should have beat Swansea on Saturday.

"Doncaster are unlucky they've got some of their good players out injured but I know exactly how Sean (O'Driscoll) feels."

Outplayed

Rovers boss O'Driscoll, whose side were undefeated at home since a 1-0 loss to Barnsley last October, admitted: "We got well beaten I have no complaints.

"They were well organised and worked hard off the ball.

"They have some quality players and if you ally that with hard work you've got half a chance.

"They were two quality strikes from Adam Johnson who should be playing in the Premier division.

"I thought we were outplayed by the better team and it's not often I say that at the Keepmoat."

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