Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray is hoping that the experience of Stephen McManus can kill off the threat of relegation.
The former Celtic skipper was an 84th minute substitute against Watford on Saturday and helped the home side to see out a 2-1 win.
After a four month absence following an ankle injury McManus is returning at a crucial stage of the season to provide experience to the youthful ‘Boro defence.
Losing late goals have been a regular occurrence for ‘Boro this season but after taking seven points from their last three matches Mowbray is hopeful of steering his side away from the drop zone into mid-table.
“Stephen coming back for the last few minutes was very good news for the squad,” the former Celtic boss admitted.
“He’s got his boots back on and played football, and I’m pretty sure we’ll need him through the month of April so it’s good to have him back.
“He’s a Scottish international who’s captained Celtic in front of 60,000 every week, so games like this are no problem for him.
“He’d only had a few minutes for the reserves (before Saturday), but that was never a concern for me.
“We’ve conceded a few 94th-minute goals, so I thought putting him in the middle of two young players was a good idea. Seeing the game out was what was required.”
Boro are currently sitting seventh from bottom in the Championship, nine points ahead of Sheffield United who are in the final relegation spot.
Shameful ignorance of Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.
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