ADAM FORSHAW will be charged with the task of keeping Middlesbrough’s promotion push on track in the next two games – even though he has only made three starts for the club all season.

Grant Leadbitter’s late booking in Monday’s 2-0 defeat at Watford was his tenth of the campaign, meaning he will have to sit out Saturday’s home game with Rotherham United and the Riverside meeting with in-form Wolves four days later.

His absence leaves a gaping hole at the base of the Boro midfield, and Aitor Karanka will have to choose between Forshaw and Dean Whitehead as he ponders who play alongside Adam Clayton.

The early indications are that he will go with the former, with Forshaw, who was a late substitute at Vicarage Road, boasting more mobility and pace than his team-mate.

Leadbitter will clearly be missed in the next two games, but Karanka is confident he has sufficient midfield depth to cope.

The Boro head coach said: “It’s disappointing because Grant is an important player, especially with his character, but it is a chance for other people to come in.

“I am especially pleased with the people who have not been playing. When you are not playing, it is difficult to go to every training session and do your best.

“All of them have been doing their best, and I trust all of them. I trust Adam Forshaw and Dean Whitehead because they have played well whenever they have been called upon.”