Chris Wilder reacts to Anfernee Dijksteel’s performance against Birmingham City

The defender returned to the team after missing the last two games through illness.

Lee Peltier deputised in his stead, but Wilder is happy to have Dijksteel back in the side ahead of a big cup tie with Chelsea at the weekend. 

Wilder was full of praise for the returning player’s performance and will be hoping for more of the same once their Championship campaign resumes following the international break. 

“He’s been out through illness and Lee (Peltier) came in and played well at Millwall. But Anfernee is a young player that is learning as well. I was delighted with his performance,” said Wilder, via the Northern Echo. 

“It’s not always easy and we know a lot about Onel (Hernandez), I know a lot about Scotty Hogan who came on early and (Lukas) Jutkiewicz is always a handful everytime you play against him. 

“He causes problems. For young Anf to deal with him in the way that he did was great.

“You look at their team sheet and their bench, it’s an experienced group of players and they weren’t just going to roll over tonight, but we were up for the battle.”

Boro came out on top as 2-0 winners against Birmingham City to move into the play-off places.

Sheffield United and Luton Town are both two points behind and play tonight to have a chance to move back ahead of Wilder’s team in the table.

But with only nine games remaining, Boro are still in with a great chance of earning a top six finish.

Up next is a home clash against Chelsea in the FA Cup, with the winner booking their place in Wembley for a semi-final clash. 

Peltier simply isn’t at the same level as Dijksteel has been this season so this is a big boost for the side.

Boro’s form had dipped in his absence and it is a mark of his importance that the side got back to