Strachan refuses to comment on Johnson speculation

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gordon Strachan refused point blank to discuss the future of sought-after winger Adam Johnson following his side's 4-1 triumph at the Keepmoat Stadium. Johnson turned in a sparkling display which saw him net twice, one a 25-yard thunderbolt, and create one for team-mate Jonathan Franks. Also on target for Boro was second half substitute Leroy Lita. Teenage midfielder Jordon Mutch marked his arrival at Doncaster on loan from Birmingham with the game's second spectacular effort, beating goalkeeper Danny Coyne late on from 30 yards. Of his winger, 22, who has attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs, 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." 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 revealed he was glad luck had been on his side for once tonight. "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 a some of their good players out injured, but I know exactly how Sean (O'Driscoll) feels." "They were well organised and worked hard off the ball," said O'Driscoll of Boro. "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."

Source: Northern_Echo