Jamie Mackie has praised Cameron Archer after the Aston Villa loanee scored twice to help Middlesbrough beat Sheffield United. Boro won 1-3 at Bramall Lane this Wednesday night.
Oli McBurnie (5’) broke the deadlock early on for the Blades as the promotion rivals met in midweek. But Chuba Akpom (25’) restored parity for Michael Carrick’s team before Archer (48’, 74’) bagged a brace. The win cemented Boro’s third place in the Championship table.
Middlesbrough are now just seven points behind Sheffield United, who still hold a game in hand in second place. Luton Town in fourth have also played one fewer game than Boro so far this term. The Blades are seven points clear of Boro for the automatic promotion spots.
Archer now has three goals and two assists in six Championship appearances since joining Middlesbrough on loan from Aston Villa. The 21-year-old opened his account for Boro last Saturday with a goal and an assist at Cardiff City. He had also assisted one against Watford.
Carrick afforded Archer his first start for the Teesside outfit against the Hornets on January 28. He has since kept the forward in his starting XI with Archer and Akpom forging a strong relationship. Akpom is the Championship’s top-scorer with 17 goals over 25 appearances.
Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer shone for Middlesbrough at Sheffield United
Archer impressed Mackie at Sheffield United as the Aston Villa loanee scored twice to give Middlesbrough all three points. The Walsall-born ace thundered the ball home for his first goal of the night after it fell kindly to him. He then produced a composed finish to lead 1-3.
“Archer – [playing] just on the shoulder – really, really sharp,” Mackie told Sky Sports News (15/02, 22:05). “I think [he was a] great acquisition for them and [he] just plays really well up with Akpom… Cool as you like [for his brace] after scoring. Confidence. Never in doubt.”
Two goals as Middlesbrough beat Sheffield United returned the first league brace of Aston Villa loanee Archer’s senior career. He has previously scored a hat-trick for the Villans in an EFL Cup tie with Barrow. The forward has four first-team goals for Aston Villa in 13 outings.
Archer also scored seven goals through 20 Championship appearances on loan to Preston North End. He spent the second half of last season at Deepdale but scored each of his hits in separate matches. Now, Archer hopes to add more to his all-round game than just goals.
“The manager told me the goals would come,” Archer told BBC Radio Tees this Wednesday after beating Sheffield United. “I want to be a player who not only brings goals but brings a different dimension to the team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
