Preston North End picked up their third win in as many games, as they beat Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough side on Wednesday night.
Liam Millar played as a right-wing-back due to Brad Potts missing the game through injury. It meant Robbie Brady came in down the left, and although Millar didn’t have as much of the ball as he would have wanted in the match, he was still able to pick up his fourth goal of the season.
Great control with his right foot, gave him space and time to drill in an effort with his left, beating Tom Glover at the near post.
The Middlesbrough goalkeeper probably should have done better, and didn’t cover himself in glory for Riis’ winner either.
It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but a win is a win. North End only had three shots on target but scored two of them. The conversion rate of the side this season is astonishing; 42 goals have come from just 102 shots on target.
Liam Millar loves running at full backs and getting in the box. He is a classic winger, and the defensive side of the game would ideally be left to other players. However in this Ryan Lowe team, Millar can only really occupy the wing-back role.
He has to do his defensive duties as well, and following the win on Wednesday, Millar’s teammate Mads Frokjaer has cheekily referred to him as a full back in response to a post on Instagram.
Millar thanked the fans for their support, as well as acknowledging Sir Tom Finney. Frokjaer commented with ‘what a fullback’ and a laughing face. Millar responded with ‘please don’t call me that’ and a crying face.
The former Liverpool player is on loan from FC Basel and is likely to have a few clubs interested in signing him permanently in the summer. Millar would clearly prefer to be playing as an advanced winger, rather than having to cover as a full-back from time to time in his current role.
That could sway his decision if he has one to make at the end of the season. The 24-year-old is adored by the Preston fans though, and he looks to be settled within the group, as shown by the jokey comments from teammates.
It would be great to see him extend his stay at Deepdale, as he brings fans to the edge of their seats. You have to hold on to that sort of player.