Boro’s teenage loan star Milos Veljkovic was “the best player on the pitch” against Ipswich, according to head coach Aitor Karanka.
The versatile Spurs midfielder replaced Kenneth Omeruo shortly after the hour mark at Portman Road, and caught the eye of the Boro boss.
The 19-year-old has had to be patient since arriving at the Riverside in October, and has been restricted to only two substitute appearances to date.
His Boro bow came during the 5-1 demolition of Millwall, and that was followed by a 30-minute cameo in Saturday’s defeat. With Veljkovic’s loan deal set to expire next month, Karanka again refused to be drawn on whether the Serbian or Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman will be extending their stay on Teesside.
“I know what I want to do but I haven’t spoken to the players and I need to speak with them,” Karanka said.
“I am very happy with both of them. Jamal has been unlucky because he’s had a few injuries.
“I am very pleased with Milos. I felt he was the best player on the pitch in the last game.
“He went onto the pitch at a difficult time and he showed everyone he is a mature player, even though he is only 19 years old.”
With Blackman’s only Boro appearance coming in the Capital One Cup shootout defeat to Liverpool, his future on Teesside appears far from certain.
But Karanka’s recent praise for Veljkovic could suggest he has a part to play at Boro, if Spurs agree to an extension.
The Serbian’s stay in the North-east could depend on the return of Rhys Williams, who will provide Boro with another option in the central positions.
The Australian has been out since January with a serious Achilles injury.
If Luzon can't get TBH/ABA under control we need a pacy defender to partner Gomez. Bring it on. Think we need young enthuseism rather than know-all experience following recent events. Steep learning curve but there are three poor teams eight points adrift.
Aitor Karanka could look to bolster his midfield in the transfer window after confirming Milos Veljkovic will return to Spurs when his loan spell comes to an end tomorrow.
The Serbian teenager made just four appearances during his three-month stay but was still expected to extend his loan stint with Boro short on cover in centre midfield.
But Aitor Karanka wished the 19-year-old well after confirming Veljkovic is heading back to White Hart Lane.
"I'd like to thank Milos for his efforts while he was here and wish him all the best for the future," Karanka told the club's website.
"I'd also like to thank Tottenham for allowing him to come here for three months."
Veljkovic was made to wait almost two months for his Boro debut after completing the switch, making his first appearance as a substitute in Boro's 5-1 mauling of Millwall.
He was brought off the bench again during the defeat at Ipswich before making his only start for Boro at Blackburn.
Veljkovic's departure leaves Dean Whitehead as the only recognised centre-midfielder to cover for first-choice pairing Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton.
Aitor Karanka was linked with a move for highly-rated Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker in the summer but the 19-year-old has since completed a loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season.
If Luzon can't get TBH/ABA under control we need a pacy defender to partner Gomez. Bring it on. Think we need young enthuseism rather than know-all experience following recent events. Steep learning curve but there are three poor teams eight points adrift.
Steady on mate in addition to your call for 17 year old Mitov to play in goal at Wolves you're now proposing a 17 and 19 year old centre back pairing as half the spine of the team! Someone like Yann or Gestedt would have a field day against them, men against boys. I grant you Bikey has been out of sorts the last few games but by his own inference he's knackered and needs to be rested.
As for TBH, he like the rest of that shower on Saturday was poor but he must be one of the favourites for player of the year given his average score in the players marks thread. Let's not get too carried away with rumour and hear say about what went on with senior players resulting in BP getting the boot. Give youth a chance by all means but we've already seen what happens when too many are thrown in at once without sufficient experience around them. And what about Onyewu we haven't really seen what he can do yet because I'm not going to judge him on bit part sub appearances or an U21 game so let's keep things in perspective eh?
Interesting to see whether he comes in as a cb or as a cm. If it's cm I'd imagine that's the end of Buyens
Buyens wants out. His performance against Watford was pathetic, didn't wanna be there. Didn't even bother looking at the fans as he walked off. I suppose it's fair when you consider the fact that Roland has brought in a coach he's already fallen out with at another club...
If Luzon can't get TBH/ABA under control we need a pacy defender to partner Gomez. Bring it on. Think we need young enthuseism rather than know-all experience following recent events. Steep learning curve but there are three poor teams eight points adrift.
Steady on mate in addition to your call for 17 year old Mitov to play in goal at Wolves you're now proposing a 17 and 19 year old centre back pairing as half the spine of the team! Someone like Yann or Gestedt would have a field day against them, men against boys. I grant you Bikey has been out of sorts the last few games but by his own inference he's knackered and needs to be rested.
As for TBH, he like the rest of that shower on Saturday was poor but he must be one of the favourites for player of the year given his average score in the players marks thread. Let's not get too carried away with rumour and hear say about what went on with senior players resulting in BP getting the boot. Give youth a chance by all means but we've already seen what happens when too many are thrown in at once without sufficient experience around them. And what about Onyewu we haven't really seen what he can do yet because I'm not going to judge him on bit part sub appearances or an U21 game so let's keep things in perspective eh?
Not a judgement on their performance or ability but solely on reports of them upsetting the dressing room leading to our recent abject displays. If true they need to be gone. Prefer Morro types to come in but we are Aldi not Waitrose. Not going to happen. Dick Plumb's view on Onyewu for U21s was PONY. We know he is slow and was a donkey in Wendies run in.
If we are going to under-perform at least let's give our assets some experience.
Interesting to see whether he comes in as a cb or as a cm. If it's cm I'd imagine that's the end of Buyens
Buyens wants out. His performance against Watford was pathetic, didn't wanna be there. Didn't even bother looking at the fans as he walked off. I suppose it's fair when you consider the fact that Roland has brought in a coach he's already fallen out with at another club...
That is unfair. I was watching him, he took two steps towards the fans, paused, looked at them and bottled it. Really it was very similar to watching his attempts to tackle all season.
Interesting to see whether he comes in as a cb or as a cm. If it's cm I'd imagine that's the end of Buyens
Buyens wants out. His performance against Watford was pathetic, didn't wanna be there. Didn't even bother looking at the fans as he walked off. I suppose it's fair when you consider the fact that Roland has brought in a coach he's already fallen out with at another club...
That is unfair. I was watching him, he took two steps towards the fans, paused, looked at them and bottled it. Really it was very similar to watching his attempts to tackle all season.
Really, the early part of the season most people on here myself included was saying how great it was to finally have a cm who is not afraid to put a challenge in
If Luzon can't get TBH/ABA under control we need a pacy defender to partner Gomez. Bring it on. Think we need young enthuseism rather than know-all experience following recent events. Steep learning curve but there are three poor teams eight points adrift.
Steady on mate in addition to your call for 17 year old Mitov to play in goal at Wolves you're now proposing a 17 and 19 year old centre back pairing as half the spine of the team! Someone like Yann or Gestedt would have a field day against them, men against boys. I grant you Bikey has been out of sorts the last few games but by his own inference he's knackered and needs to be rested.
As for TBH, he like the rest of that shower on Saturday was poor but he must be one of the favourites for player of the year given his average score in the players marks thread. Let's not get too carried away with rumour and hear say about what went on with senior players resulting in BP getting the boot. Give youth a chance by all means but we've already seen what happens when too many are thrown in at once without sufficient experience around them. And what about Onyewu we haven't really seen what he can do yet because I'm not going to judge him on bit part sub appearances or an U21 game so let's keep things in perspective eh?
Not a judgement on their performance or ability but solely on reports of them upsetting the dressing room leading to our recent abject displays. If true they need to be gone. Prefer Morro types to come in but we are Aldi not Waitrose. Not going to happen. Dick Plumb's view on Onyewu for U21s was PONY. We know he is slow and was a donkey in Wendies run in.
If we are going to under-perform at least let's give our assets some experience.
So you're writing off Onyewu based on Dick Plumb's 90 minute assessment of him in an under 21 game and I assume you watched all his appearances for Wendies did you? I'll make my own mind up after I have the opportunity to assess him in the first team thanks.
What's the reliable source of these reports that it was Bikey and TBH that were unsettling the dressing room then? All I'm saying is let's not jump to conclusions without the full facts and bin off one of our best performing players/defenders to date and deplete the team of further experience which is a must in the Championship.
Hopefully we can secure our 2nd tier status with time to spare and then is the time to alter the balance of the team towards more youngsters. Similarly if we get marooned at the bottom blood them for the following season by all means. I don't think now is the time to put an over reliance on youth, it is a time for the senior players and I include Sollly, Wiggins, Church, Onyewu in addition to TBH, Bikey and JJ to stand up and be counted.
I firmly believe that our inspirational Israeli coach - with his exemplary grasp of both English and Serbian - will bring the very best out of this 19 year old Yugoslavian loanee. Showing himself to be the tenacious, lead-by-example winner we are missing, he in turn will quickly establish himself as the missing link - the lynchpin of our team, the final piece in Roland's puzzle.
Together, the two of them will foster the unity, desire and fight to drive us clear of relegation. They will harness the raw passion that exists throughout our squad of continental holidaymakers drunk in the excitement of landing in South East London. United in their goal to bring joy to the people of Eltham, sidcup, dartford and Orpington, these men will lead us marching towards wembley and the premiership.
Failing that, perhaps the two of them will bond over stolen Sunday afternoons together exploring Hyde park, the Tower of London and hampstead Heath; some holiday memories they can reminisce about in 9 months time when they meet again on their next vacation in Ujpest....
The fact he is not from the network is good news and spurs fans seem to think he's tidy enough so maybe he'll help out. Just no thought whatsoever towards creating a 'team' is there. Poorly considered attempts at quick fixes are what sent us down in 2009.
Comments
been on loan at boro since 16th October and played 3 games
Boro’s teenage loan star Milos Veljkovic was “the best player on the pitch” against Ipswich, according to head coach Aitor Karanka.
The versatile Spurs midfielder replaced Kenneth Omeruo shortly after the hour mark at Portman Road, and caught the eye of the Boro boss.
The 19-year-old has had to be patient since arriving at the Riverside in October, and has been restricted to only two substitute appearances to date.
His Boro bow came during the 5-1 demolition of Millwall, and that was followed by a 30-minute cameo in Saturday’s defeat.
With Veljkovic’s loan deal set to expire next month, Karanka again refused to be drawn on whether the Serbian or Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman will be extending their stay on Teesside.
“I know what I want to do but I haven’t spoken to the players and I need to speak with them,” Karanka said.
“I am very happy with both of them. Jamal has been unlucky because he’s had a few injuries.
“I am very pleased with Milos. I felt he was the best player on the pitch in the last game.
“He went onto the pitch at a difficult time and he showed everyone he is a mature player, even though he is only 19 years old.”
With Blackman’s only Boro appearance coming in the Capital One Cup shootout defeat to Liverpool, his future on Teesside appears far from certain.
But Karanka’s recent praise for Veljkovic could suggest he has a part to play at Boro, if Spurs agree to an extension.
The Serbian’s stay in the North-east could depend on the return of Rhys Williams, who will provide Boro with another option in the central positions.
The Australian has been out since January with a serious Achilles injury.
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/milos-veljkovic-set-return-tottenham-8445814
Aitor Karanka could look to bolster his midfield in the transfer window after confirming Milos Veljkovic will return to Spurs when his loan spell comes to an end tomorrow.
The Serbian teenager made just four appearances during his three-month stay but was still expected to extend his loan stint with Boro short on cover in centre midfield.
But Aitor Karanka wished the 19-year-old well after confirming Veljkovic is heading back to White Hart Lane.
"I'd like to thank Milos for his efforts while he was here and wish him all the best for the future," Karanka told the club's website.
"I'd also like to thank Tottenham for allowing him to come here for three months."
Veljkovic was made to wait almost two months for his Boro debut after completing the switch, making his first appearance as a substitute in Boro's 5-1 mauling of Millwall.
He was brought off the bench again during the defeat at Ipswich before making his only start for Boro at Blackburn.
Veljkovic's departure leaves Dean Whitehead as the only recognised centre-midfielder to cover for first-choice pairing Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton.
Aitor Karanka was linked with a move for highly-rated Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker in the summer but the 19-year-old has since completed a loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season.
Interesting to see whether he comes in as a cb or as a cm. If it's cm I'd imagine that's the end of Buyens
Meaning is he out of contract at Spurs in June?
Trust me.
As for TBH, he like the rest of that shower on Saturday was poor but he must be one of the favourites for player of the year given his average score in the players marks thread. Let's not get too carried away with rumour and hear say about what went on with senior players resulting in BP getting the boot. Give youth a chance by all means but we've already seen what happens when too many are thrown in at once without sufficient experience around them. And what about Onyewu we haven't really seen what he can do yet because I'm not going to judge him on bit part sub appearances or an U21 game so let's keep things in perspective eh?
He aint in our network Ffs get a grip
Dick Plumb's view on Onyewu for U21s was PONY. We know he is slow and was a donkey in Wendies run in.
If we are going to under-perform at least let's give our assets some experience.
What's the reliable source of these reports that it was Bikey and TBH that were unsettling the dressing room then? All I'm saying is let's not jump to conclusions without the full facts and bin off one of our best performing players/defenders to date and deplete the team of further experience which is a must in the Championship.
Hopefully we can secure our 2nd tier status with time to spare and then is the time to alter the balance of the team towards more youngsters. Similarly if we get marooned at the bottom blood them for the following season by all means. I don't think now is the time to put an over reliance on youth, it is a time for the senior players and I include Sollly, Wiggins, Church, Onyewu in addition to TBH, Bikey and JJ to stand up and be counted.
Together, the two of them will foster the unity, desire and fight to drive us clear of relegation. They will harness the raw passion that exists throughout our squad of continental holidaymakers drunk in the excitement of landing in South East London. United in their goal to bring joy to the people of Eltham, sidcup, dartford and Orpington, these men will lead us marching towards wembley and the premiership.
Failing that, perhaps the two of them will bond over stolen Sunday afternoons together exploring Hyde park, the Tower of London and hampstead Heath; some holiday memories they can reminisce about in 9 months time when they meet again on their next vacation in Ujpest....
The fact he is not from the network is good news and spurs fans seem to think he's tidy enough so maybe he'll help out. Just no thought whatsoever towards creating a 'team' is there. Poorly considered attempts at quick fixes are what sent us down in 2009.