Challenge ahead for Wheater

Assistant boss Malcolm Crosby has challenged defender David Wheater to force his way back into Middlesbrough's first team.

Crosby says the Redcar-born centre-half is facing a massive challenge to get back into the side just months after winning the player of the season award at the Riverside.

Wheater faces a challenge as boss Gareth Southgate opts to field Justin Hoyte at right-back and retain both Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz in the middle. And, coupled with the return of Robert Huth, Wheater is going to find it tough to get back in.

Crosby told the Echo: "If you are not in the team, it's all about what you do next.

"Do you sulk, or do you redouble your efforts to make sure you get back in?

"It's the first time David's really had to face that choice, but all the signs suggest he'll go about things the right way.

"To be fair to David, we know that whenever he comes back in at centre-half, he'll be ready to play well. Provided he continues to work hard in training, which he has been, he'll be ready to slot back in as if he's never been away.

"Long-term, we definitely see him as a centre-half, but the quality of his all-round game means he's always going to be versatile."