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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here