7 Travers: Had nothing to do in the first half but was busier in the second. Dealt with crosses well and made a good near post save to deny Ohashi.
7 Dijksteel: Another rock solid defensive display from a player who has been a model of consistency in recent weeks.
8 Howson: Immense. Again. Dael Fry and George Edmundson will soon be back fit but how can Carrick drop Howson? Serenaded by the fans after crunching second half slide tackle.
7 Borges: Tried his best to play on after suffering injury on the half hour mark but couldn’t. Sickener for the defender after recent form. Hopefully not serious.
8 Iling-Junior: Key to Boro’s turnaround in recent weeks and getting better and better. Was excellent in the first half in particular.
8 Hackney: Class midfield display. Had Blackburn’s midfielders chasing shadows.
7 Morris: Several driving runs. Never let Blackburn get on top in the midfield.
7 Burgzorg: Caused problems with his direct running, though will have been frustrated with his final ball on a couple of occasions.
7 Iheanacho: Had a hand in both goals, teeing up Conway for his opener and touching back to Iling-Junior for the second. Some clever touches. Couple of wayward shots.
7 Azaz: Developing a good understanding and partnership with Iling-Junior on the left. Caused problems cutting inside.
8 Conway: Sublime first touch and finish to put Boro ahead after just seconds. Never stopped running and chasing.
Substitutes:
7 Van den Berg (for Borges, 33): Called into action after Borges injury and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Whittaker (for Burgzorg, 71): N/A
Barlaser (for Iheanacho, 86): N/A
Forss (for Conway, 86): N/A
Giles (for Azaz, 86): N/A
SUBS NOT USED: Glover, McGree, Woolston, A.Palmer
MAN OF THE MATCH: Howson. It’s hard to believe he’s 37 next month and playing out of position. Remarkable.
