Injuries and suspensions force Boro to recall defender
By Shaun • Oct 2nd, 2008 • Category: Boro NewsGareth Southgate has recalled defender Jonathan Grounds from Championship side Norwich City to bolster the squad following the injuries to Arca, Rhys Williams and the 3 game suspension to Emanuel Pogatetz.
Grounds had been playing regularly and was impressing in East Anglia for a struggling Norwich team but with Southgate deciding he needed cover, Grounds was recalled.
Glenn roeder was understandably disappointed to lose the player, especially as his side is also struggling with injuries. He had this to say:
If I was Gareth I would do the same, I had a good chat with Gareth. He was happy to leave Jonathan here, his intentions were to leave him here. He had seen he'd been playing and Middlesbrough's scouts had been reporting back to Gareth that he'd been doing well, which he had.
But unfortunately he's got an injury to the left-back, who's going to be out for a few weeks, and Pogatetz, the centre-half, is out for three games for a sending-off and he's been left short himself for defensive cover, so he must protect his corner, like I must protect my corner.
Grounds, who is predominantely a Left Back but has appeared in the centre of defence, will come into the squad for the Wigan game and is likely to find himself on the bench as cover for Andrew Taylor, Robert Huth and David Wheater.
Shaun is A Boro fan and owner of BoroMania.com. Born and brought up in the North East. Favourite players are Juninho, Slaven and David Wheater.
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Strange this one, i think he should have left Grounds on loan and used Joe Bennett as cover for left back and Hines for CB. When i saw the title I thought McMahon was coming back and that would make more sense, cover for Hoyte.
Since publishing the article i’ve been told that Taylor is also struggling with a knock so with that in mind Southgate had no choice really but to recall Grounds. Whilst i rate Bennett and i like Hines they are not ready yet for the Prem especially Hines who looks very raw at the moment.
I wouldnt say Hines was too raw really, hes got some competitive first team experience and he’s impressed when he’s appeared but he needs to be playing CB. Joe Bennett is a good prospect but he hasnt made the bench for the first team yet so that would be a mistake. We’re in too much of a fragile position to risk throwing in a youngster in the deep end and having it backfire.
I think defensively Hines looked impressive but what i think is a little rough around the edges is his use of the ball from the back. I noted a number of occasions against Hull in the reserves where he would try a forward pass from the back and pass it to the opposition. I rate the lad and think he could turn into a very good player, if he stays clear of injury now and continues to improve.
Well it now also looks like Huth and O’Neil are doubtful for Wigan so Grounds may well end up starting yet!