A hamster is Middlesbrough’s lucky mascot

Holly the Hamster has been credited with being the reason why Middlesbrough are enjoying an unbeaten run which is carrying them up the Championship.

Boro have taken 16 points from the last 18 available to climb the table and make themselves contenders for a return to the Premier League through the play-offs.

Goalkeeper Shay Given has played his part by keeping six clean sheets in ten games since arriving at the Riverside on loan from Aston Villa.

But the former Newcastle, Manchester City and Republic of Ireland No.1 has handed all the credit to the team’s new pet.


‘She seems to be our lucky mascot at the moment,’ Given, 37, told the Daily Star about Holly.



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Shay Given has kept six clean sheets for Middlesbrough (Picture: Getty Images)

‘She came into the training ground over Christmas as a bit of a joke from one of the lads but we are unbeaten since so we’re all taking looking after her very seriously now.

‘She’s got a nice home with us at the training ground and we’re making sure we feed and water her every day.

‘She’s got an unbeaten record so far, so we’ll make sure she stays happy and keeps working her magic.’

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