Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis has praised his side’s youngsters after they overcame Notts County to reach the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Boro’s team featured seven debutants for the game, and fell behind on three separate occasions in order to fight for a 3-3 draw – a sign of character in any team.

The match then went straight to penalties, where Boro progressed after defeating their opponents 4-3 via the shoot-out.

Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan was one of those who made his debut on the night, and saved two penalties to secure his side’s victory.

And Pulis has admitted he was delighted to see his team’s academy stars showing what they are capable of.

“It was absolutely fantastic to get all of them on the pitch,” said Pulis. “It was some game. There were six goals, we’ve come from behind three times and I think we ended the game having played eight young academy players. Then we won the penalty shoot-out.

“The support was fantastic. The supporters have come here wanting to enjoy a night, and they’ve seen the young players play. The young uns have enjoyed it, the supporters have enjoyed it and we’ve won, so it’s been a good night.

“Football clubs spend a lot of money on their academies now, and sometimes you get criticised for playing the young players in these competitions. But I’m a great believer that the kids have to play.”
[Quotes sourced via Northern Echo]