Mikel Obi speaks on making Middlesborough debut (PHOTOS)

John Obi Mikel on his debut 'surprise' and Middlesbrough's 'amazing' dressing room

Nigerian international John Obi Mikel made his debut and started for his new club Middlesborough in their 1 – 1 FA Cup draw against League Two outfit Newport County on Saturday at the Riverside stadium.

The Nigerian who joined the Championship side on Thursday was given a vote of confidence to start the game by veteran manager Tony Pulis and was on for 62 minutes before coming off for midfielder Adam Clayton after an impressive performance.

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Middlesborough took the lead in the 51st minute through Daniel Ayala but failed to hold on for the win as Matthew Dolan ensured that there was a return fixture scoring in the 93rd minute for the league two outfit.

Mikel Obi says he's happy to have made his Middlesborough debut after joining the England club in January

Reacting to the team’s result, Mikel who joined the side on Thursday as a free agent said the team played well but were unlucky to draw the game at the end of 90 minutes.

“I thought the performance was good, when you play these games, we were one up, we controlled the game and it’s one of those games where if you sit back you can get caught out and that’s what happened.

“The team played really well, it’s a good start for me and hopefully we can carry on from here. Today was good and hopefully I can get a few more games to get sharper and help the team a bit more.” He said.

Mikel applauds the Boro fans after a great debut performance

John Obi Mikel gets a hug from Tony Pulis