AITOR KARANKA will resist starting on loan goalkeeper Jamal Blackman at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, but insists the Chelsea youngster will play a part on Teesside.

Blackman arrived on transfer deadline day following Jason Steele’s loan move to Blackburn Rovers, and the 20-year-old will compete with Tomas Mejias and Dimi Konstantopoulos for a place in the team.

There were suggestions Karanka could start his new keeper at the John Smith’s Stadium this weekend, but having been away representing England’s Under-21s, the Boro boss revealed he will give Blackman time to settle before throwing him in.

“I don't think (he will play at Huddersfield), because he just arrived today and I don't like to put someone in with just two days' training,” Karanka said.

“I think he can play for us because he came from Chelsea Academy; he has been involved with the national Under-21 squad.

"I was speaking with members of the coaching staff at Chelsea and they told me that he is a very good player, a very good keeper and he has a very good future.”

That means one of Mejias or Konstantopoulos will play, but Karanka insists he is yet to decide who.

He said: “I need to think about everything.”

James Husband is Karanka's only injury concern with the defender likely to miss up to ten days of action with a groin problem.