Classy cameo from Kante wins praise from boss and fans

IT was a bold call from Rob Edwards. His side were leading 1-0 on the opening day against Swansea City with 20 minutes to go. His first substitution? Introducing 20-year-old Abdoulaye Kante.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

The decision came just two weeks after the Ivorian joined the club. Still settling, still learning the language, the English game, and his new teammates, he'd played only 15 minutes of the friendly with Deportivo.

There was excitement at Boro this summer when they managed to land the young midfielder, pictured, from Troyes. Kante's already had over 50 senior appearances on his CV. Nevertheless, there was a call for patience as he integrates and adapts to life in a new country.

And yet, quite clearly having already made a big impression with his new coaches and teammates, he's now made a positive indentation on Boro fans too.

He repaid Edwards' faith in him in an excellent cameo that ultimately helped his side get over the line against the Swans without ever looking like they'd concede.