Road trip is just so three-sy for Traore

ADAMA TRAORE scored his first goal for Middlesbrough as they made it three wins in a row away from home with a comfortable victory at QPR.

Daniel Ayala’s header and George Friend’s brilliant strike put Boro in control by half-time at Loftus Road.

Traore’s goal sealed the win five minutes from time.

And Boro boss Tony Pulis insisted the winger has the potential to play at the top level.

“He can be frustrating at times, but I’m telling you if he works it out then he could be anything,” said Pulis.

“The top clubs in the Premier League all have that electric pace and nobody is as quick as this boy.

“All we’re asking him to do is what he’s good at, to run forward with the ball and run forward without the ball.

“When he does that, as you saw today, he’s unplayable.”

Boro went ahead when Ben Gibson flicked on Grant Leadbitter’s 24th-minute corner and Ayala nodded home unchallenged at the far post.

Friend doubled the lead 11 minutes later, smashing a left-footed shot from 25 yards beyond keeper Alex Smithies and into the top corner.

Rangers made a double change at half-time, bringing on Matt Smith and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

But Traore made sure of the points by slotting past Smithies.

Jack Robinson fired wide for the home side in a cagey start to the game but once Boro went in front it was a comfortable day for Pulis.

Conor Washington did have a decent chance to pull a goal back shortly before half time but shot straight at keeper Darren Randolph.

QPR boss Ian Holloway said: “In the first 15 minutes we were causing them all sorts of trouble.

“But unfortunately we got undone by a corner, which we’re normally good at.

“That gave them a lift and when George Friend gets it 25 yards out and he shoots straight in my net, I’m fuming.

“Then Tony can do what he’s very good at, which is to give you no space, and they can cruise.”