Régis Le Bris drops big Chris Rigg hint as he sets out Sunderland selection stance ahead of Boro visit
Régis Le Bris looks set to recall Chris Rigg to the Sunderland starting XI to face Middlesbrough on Monday.
How Middlesbrough’s transfer deadline day will work as Michael Carrick focuses on Sunderland
As well as transfer deadline day, Boro also have an important match to think about
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick insists he will be all eyes on Sunderland on Monday, despite the unusual scenario that sees the game being played on transfer deadline day.
Boro look set for a busy final day in the transfer market, with at least two new incomings before the 11 pm deadline. But that coincides with a huge game for Boro as they host north east rivals Sunderland at the Riverside.
While Carrick will naturally be available via his phone if needed on the transfer front, Boro are able to allow the head coach to focus mainly on the match and his preparations for it. Instead, head of football Kieran Scott and head of recruitment Chris Jones can be at Rockliffe keeping a close eye on all things transfer developments.
READ MORE: What to expect on transfer deadline day as Middlesbrough plan for busy final day
READ MORE: Middlesbrough predicted line-up for Sunderland with potential for three debutants
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73781949/2185779087.0.jpg)
Carrick said: “By Monday my focus is totally on the game, a lot of it is now. What do we need to do to prepare? What do the players need from me and the staff? There’s no distractions. It’s a fantastic game for us to be part of and we’ll hopefully play well and win.
“There’s challenges with the window but there’s challenges out of it as well. It’s great though isn’t it. We’re in a position to play for something, we’re trying to achieve something. We have a good squad, we’re capable of doing some good things. I’m really excited about what’s ahead.”
In what promises to be a huge game that rightfully demands Carrick’s full attention, he could hand three debuts for it. Ryan Giles could make his first start in his second spell at the club, while Mark Travers and Morgan Whittaker are both expected to be in the squad for the very first time.
Asked if any of them could start, the Boro boss said: “There isn’t a right or wrong really, it’s gauging who is fit, what the team looks like and where we can improve it. It’s certainly the type of game that all of the boys are clamouring and desperate to be involved with, but I know it won’t just be the starting XI who have an impact on the game.
“There’s coming off the bench and doing it that way as well. Whoever it is, it might be one late in the game who makes a difference for us.”
