ELEVEN MIDDLESBROUGH YOUNGSTERS WHO COULD BE GIVEN CHAMPIONSHIP CHANCE IN THE FINAL THREE GAMES

Middlesbrough will seemingly have little to play for in their final three games of the season - and a Norwich City victory on Saturday will officially end Boro's chances of reaching the top six before their next game on Monday evening against Leeds United.

Despite that, currently on an unbeaten run of nine games, Michael Carrick and captain Jonny Howson have been clear in their desire to extend that form to the end of the season to carry positive momentum into next season. One thing is for certain, the Boro boss will demand his side apply the highest of standards even if all they are playing for is pride.

But there is undoubtedly less pressure on the games because of the lack of stakes in them for Boro - with no extra money awarded in the Championship based on how high you finish in the table, like in the Premier League. And with that in mind, the final three games could be the perfect setting for Carrick to hand more opportunities to young players emerging from the club's academy.

Carrick has proven himself keen to give opportunities to academy players when earned, with the Boro boss handing debuts, training opportunities and also first-team travel to give Boro youngsters that feeling of being part of the senior squad. It's experience that should set them up well for the future.

With their squad still cut thin by injuries - and with Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood both missing the Leeds game due to being on loan from the Whites - there will certainly be space for some academy players to at least make the bench for the coming games - though there might be some consideration for the Premier League 2 campaign that the Under-21s still have going on, having successfully qualified for the play-offs. But if Carrick does hand some opportunities out, these are the players we predict could be in line for a shot.

George Gitau

A 20-year-old right-back born in Germany, Gitau had a short spell on loan at Marske United earlier in the season due to the connection with former Boro U23 boss Graeme Lee. Since returning to Boro though, he's been a regular in Mark Tinkler's side and, in-form of late, his winning goal at Sunderland earlier this week was his third goal in four games.

Jack Hannah

The centre-back, 21, had a few opportunities during pre-season last summer as Carrick sought to have a good look at Hannah after such a positive season last year. Ultimately not used this season though, he has instead been a regular for the under-21s, save for a short loan spell at Darlington. There had been high hopes for the young defender though.

AJ Bridge

Though yet to make his debut, 19-year-old midfielder AJ Bridge has made the Boro bench seven times already this season in a sign of how rated he is by Carrick and co at Boro. A left-footed midfielder, Bridge is Boro born and bred and is an exciting talent.

Law McCabe

McCabe has already made two cameo appearances this season, coming off the bench late on against Preston North End and Port Vale. After handing him his debut, Carrick admitted he likes McCabe a lot and spoke about how well the 17-year-old handles himself. A regular among the first-team now, he's made the squad 20 times this season.

Luke Woolston

Injury has impacted Woolston this season but he was actually one of the earliest academy players to get a chance under Carrick. Woolston was a surprise inclusion in the Boro squad that travelled to Hibernian for a friendly during last season's World Cup break. Back from injury this year, he's already made the first-team bench five times, in a clear sign of how highly the young midfielder is rated.

Fin Cartwright

The youngest of Boro's debutants under Carrick, midfielder Cartwright was just 16 - Boro's second youngest player - when he debuted in the Carabao Cup win at Huddersfield. Carrick said Cartwright had 'natural ability' after that game and Chelsea have been credited with interest to further strengthen that claim.

Pharrell Willis

The very first young player that Carrick handed a debut to at Blackpool in November 2022, Willis would suffer a serious leg injury and only returned to action in February. returning in fine form though, the wide man has scored three and assisted three in seven games. He was also included on the bench for first-team games against Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.

Charlie Lennon

The 18-year-old talented winger signed his first pro contract in March and was then given two bench appearances in the first team. More an under-18 player this season, he has four goals in 17 appearances, but is highly regarded and might get another opportunity before the end of the season.

Ajay Matthews

Another young forward, Matthews shone in pre-season - starting with a stunning goal that highlighted his positivity and confidence against Hartlepool United. An England youth international, Matthews has 16 goals across U18 and U21 level this season. Though he's not yet made a first-team squad, his potential is well-known with many top clubs interested and a summer move touted. Could a first-team debut tempt him to stay?

Sonny Finch

At this point, Finch's potential and favour with Carrick is no secret. The forward became a regular around the first team towards the end of last season and was handed his league debut by the Boro boss. Injury disrupted much of this season but he returned in February and has been in fine form for the U21s, netting six goals in seven appearances. The 18-year-old made a short cameo for the first-team against Swansea City too.

Dan Nkrumah

On loan at Dagenham and Redbridge, he hasn't been part of their squad in the last two and was pictured back in Boro training this week. With his loan finished on Saturday, he should technically be available for Boro again come Monday night. A powerhouse striker signed from Leyton Orient last summer, Nkrumah is raw but has potential. He's made the bench six times this season already.

2024-04-19T09:59:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd