If Middlesbrough think League One Oldham will be a pushover this evening in the Capital One Cup, they have another thing coming.
Oldham manager Lee Johnson says his side took confidence from Saturday’s 2-2 opening draw away to Colchester.
Now at home for the first time this season, Johnson sees no reason why Oldham can’t cause an upset in the first round.
“We will be looking to test them and they are a good Championship side,” said Johnson.
“It will be a tough game but one the lads should be relishing and hopefully we can get off to a good start and win the game.
“If Middlesbrough come and think it’s an easy game they will find they won’t be able to cope with us.”
The Latics boss praised debutant striker Jonathan Forte for scoring two goals to claim his side a well-earned point.
“It was really pleasing to see because he’s worked hard all pre-season,” he told the club’s website.
“We need to give him a bit of love and that goal will go a long way to set the tone with the fans.”
Boro boss Aitor Karanka was also full of praise for his side after their 2-0 win at home to Birmingham on Saturday.
“Every day we can improve, every day we know ourselves better and we need to keep going with the same intensity,” he told the club’s website.
“I have a good group but this is the first step. But if we believe we’re better than we are then we know what will happen.”
Middlesbrough also had a goal-scoring debutant in Spanish striker Kike, who scored in his first Championship appearance for the side.
“The team was supporting him, the team is the most important thing,” Karanka told BBC Tees.
Main image courtesy of Official OAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
