Franks handed first Boro start (From The Northern Echo)

Franks handed first Boro start

2:51pm Monday 28th December 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

JONATHAN FRANKS has been handed his first Middlesbrough start in the first team at Barnsley this afternoon.

With Leroy Lita suspended and Jeremie Aliadiere ruled out with a swollen ankle, Franks has been asked to provide Marcus Bent in attack from the right. Adam Johnson looks destined to play on the left of an attacking three.

With Emanuel Pogatetz ruled out with the hamstring problem sustained against Scunthorpe on Boxing Day, Chris Riggott returns to make his first start in 11 injury-ravaged months.

The only other change sees Julio Arca come in for Isaiah Osbourne, who has been ruled out through injury.

BARNSLEY (4-4-2): L Steele; Hassell, Foster, Moore, Kozluk; Anderson, Hammill, Colace, Hallfredsson; Gray, Bogdanovic. Subs: Preece, Campbell-Ryce, Macken, Hume, Butterfield, Potter, Thompson. MIDDLESBROUGH (4-3-2-1): Coyne; McMahon, Wheater, Riggott, Hoyte; O’Neil, Arca, R Williams; Franks, Johnson; Bent. Subs: L Williams, Grounds, Taylor, J Steele, Bennett, Emnes, Yeates.