HEAD coach Jonathan Woodgate insisted it would be good to “pick the brain” of his former boss Tony Mowbray, after Cherries’ clash at Blackburn tomorrow (3pm).

The Cherries boss played 34 times under Mowbray in all competitions, while plying his trade at Middlesbrough.

Woodgate revealed he used to watch the centre-half pairing of Mowbray and Gary Pallister at the back for Boro, when growing up on the Terraces of Ayresome Park.

And the Nunthorpe-born coach was full of praise for Mowbray’s longevity in the game, as well as the work he is doing at Rovers.

Asked about locking horns with the 57-year-old, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: “He’s someone who is a Middlesbrough legend. He was manager when I was a player.

“He brought me to the club for a second spell. I’ve got nothing but respect for Tony Mowbray.

“He’s had longevity in the game as well, had promotions with different clubs, plays good football at Blackburn, they’re a good footballing team.

“They’ve got some excellent players, so it will be good to pick his brain if I see him after the game. He lives in the same village as me as well.”

Blackburn are currently 15th in the Championship table, with 46 points from 39 games.