Christie takes the plaudits
26 Nov 2006 - 10:18:39
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted for striker Malcolm Christie, who marked his first start of the season with a goal in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
The former England Under-21 forward has suffered a broken leg three times during his tie with Boro, but Southgate hailed his player's determination not to quit.
He said: "I am chuffed to bits for him. He has been month after month in the gym working away, wondering when he would get a chance.
"If his goal was offside, well, if anybody deserves a bit of good fortune it is him.
"The courage he has shown to keep coming back has been fantastic and you could see from the reaction of the rest of the lads how much they like him.
"His attitude to the game played a big part in our performance."
Christie joined Boro in January 2003 from Derby County, but has been restricted to 34 appearances for the Teessiders, netting eight goals.