Whittaker now ready for lift-off after first Boro goal

MORGAN Whittaker is hoping he can use his first Middlesbrough goal as a catalyst after a difficult 10 months at the club.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Whittaker joined Boro in a £6 million move from Plymouth Argyle in January, but has so far struggled to make a positive impression on Teesside.

That culminated last month when he was jeered off the pitch by his own fans in a draw at Preston North End, which he described as the “lowest point” in his career.

But having rebounded and bagged his first goal for the club in Friday’s victory over Ipswich Town, Whittaker said: “It’s such a weight off my shoulders. It’s been a long time since my last goal, and obviously what's happened since I've been here has been a really tough time.

“It has been a lot, I'm not going to lie. It’s been lonely, it’s been tough. So, this has just been such a relief, as you can see.

“I have been very tough on myself, and it’s been tough just dealing with the outside noise as well.