Mowbray defends Hoyte

Justin Hoyte: Can frustrate fans but Tony Mowbray is full of admiration

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray has given his backing to Justin Hoyte following criticism of the player from some supporters.

The former Arsenal man has been asked to fill a number of roles in the Boro side this term, including in defence and midfield.

And Mowbray said he has done everything asked of him without complaint, describing the 26-year-old as a model professional.

"Whatever I ask Justin Hoyte to do, he does," Mowbray told the Evening Gazette.

"I ask him stay wide and run up and down, he does it. If I ask him to drive between centre-halves and full-backs, he does it. If I ask him to protect Tony McMahon behind him, he does it.

"It's great for a manager to have that. And yet I understand that if he gets in a great crossing position and puts it behind the goal, people get frustrated.

"I would like people to know that he's just a very, very good, hard-working professional. The fact I pick him most weeks is testament to his ability."