Joey Barton’s glowing praise for Bristol Rovers full-debut goal hero from Middlesbrough

Joey Barton has reserved praise for Bristol Rovers’ match-winner Josh Coburn who scored on his full-debut.

Coburn repaid the faith that Barton gave him after he was given his first full-start after a 45-minute cameo appearance against Crystal Palace in midweek.

“We had to show a bit of patience and a bit of belief in Josh in terms of waiting a month to take him in terms of the injury,” he said.

“It was some way of paying that back today. I thought he was a real live wire up there and some real nice moments.

“The more he trains and the more familiar he gets with the group he should find another few gears. I’m really pleased he’s off the mark and I thought it was great work from Aaron Collins.

The 19-year-old showed shades of last season’s promotion hero Elliot Anderson by cutting inside on the left

Coburn is on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough and featured regularly for them last season, scoring five goals in the second tier.

An injury coupled with Boro recruiting several strikers pushed him down the pecking order at the Riverside Stadium, which made him available for loan.

The sacking of Chris Wilder along with a recall clause should the new manager want to assess him in January is always a risk, but in the early days, Rovers are being rewarded for their patience after injury.

“The more he plays and the more he gets used to it, you forget he is a young boy,” Barton said.

“I think he’s got lots of improvement but you can also see the raw materials he has, you can see why he’s factored for Middlesbrough in the Championship.

“You can see why he’s caused problems. You can also see why we were so keen to recruit him when we knew he was available.”

Coburn opened his account in front of the Thatcher’s End - the stand which is terracing and full of standing supporters who are the most vocal in the ground.

Rovers fans in that part of the ground set the tone and atmosphere for the match-day and scoring in front of the most passionate supporters was a befitting moment.

Supporters there have been quick to create chants for new heroes and that one could be made for the on-loan man.

He said: “The good thing for us is that as any striker would want, the earlier you get off the mark the better.

“If it’s at your home stadium even better, if that’s where all the mad barmy fans are going to sing your name and support you. I think he’ll be delighted. I thought it was a really good finish.”