Hope at last for Moore - January 11, 2000
Forgotten man Alan Moore could get a return to first-team football at Middlesbrough after scoring a hat trick for the club's reserve side against Leeds United last night.
The 26-year-old winger has been cursed with injuries over the past couple of seasons, seriously curtailing his expected progression with both Middlesbro and Ireland.
When Mick McCarthy took over from Jack Charlton as Irish manager he used Dubliner Moore at every opportunity - but the player's slight frame led to injury after injury, pushing him back in the pecking order.
Leeds United travelled to Middlesbro's reserve ground, Central Avenue, last night with a very strong team but left with their tails between their legs thanks to Moore's one-man show.
Alan opened the scoring in the 12th minute before fellow Irish international Alan Maybury scored his second goal in successive reserve games to level the score.
Brian Deane put Middlesbro 2-1 up before the break and a late brace from Moore sealed the win. Jason Gavin played in the heart of the Middlesbro defence - but out-of-favour Ian Harte had a night to forget for Leeds.