STEVE AGNEW has told Middlesbrough’s players who were frozen out under Aitor Karanka: ‘You can still play a major role in saving our season’.

Karanka’s inflexibility meant a number of Boro players found themselves out of the starting line-up with little or no hope of forcing their way back in, but Agnew has cleaned the slate and offered everyone a fresh start since taking over as head coach in the middle of last month.

Stewart Downing featured in the starting side for only the fourth time since mid-November as Boro suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in Agnew’s first game in charge, and Daniel Ayala is set to make only his third start since October when the Teessiders visit Swansea City this afternoon.

Both players have suffered run-ins with Karanka this season, and the likes of Patrick Bamford and Viktor Fischer will also hope to enjoy a new lease of life now their former boss has departed.

“When there’s a change (of head coach), sometimes there’s a change in the players because they see more of an opportunity,” said Agnew. “As I’ve said to the players, I’ve been so pleased with the work that they’ve done, so they’re all in my mind now.”

Bamford’s status is particularly interesting, with the striker having made just three Premier League substitute appearances and a start against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup since completing a £6m move from Chelsea in January.

The Northern Echo:

It had been expected that the 23-year-old would figure prominently under Karanka, but the Spaniard questioned his ability to meet the demands of the Premier League on more than one occasion prior to his exit.

Agnew has been impressed with Bamford’s efforts on the training ground in the last few weeks, and is confident he could still play a prominent part in the matches that remain.

“Patrick has trained very well,” he said. “The same is true of Fischer. There are one or two that have been out of it that are very much part of my thoughts. Patrick’s been really good, and I can see him playing a part in the rest of the games. He’s definitely one of those players that is in my thoughts.”

Ayala is also involved in Agnew’s plans, and is set to get the nod ahead of Bernardo Espinosa to partner Ben Gibson this afternoon.

The Spaniard has suffered a succession of injury problems in the last 18 months, with Karanka appearing to question his commitment, but having performed so impressively in the Championship last season, Agnew is convinced he still has plenty to offer.

The Northern Echo:

“It’s great to have him back,” he said. “He’s trained well and looks fit and competitive. He’s back amongst it and he’s a really good addition to the squad for the weekend. What Dani is now is he’s enjoying training again. He’s over all of his injuries now and he’s looking forward to the rest of the season. He’s definitely good enough to make an impact at this level.”

Some of Boro’s defensive preparations for tomorrow’s trip to Swansea have been overseen by Jonathan Woodgate, who joined the coaching staff earlier this week.

Woodgate has been involved in a number of sessions on the training ground, with his international pedigree and strong Teesside roots ensuring he has been afforded immediate respect despite his lack of top-level coaching experience.

“I’ve known Jonathan Woodgate a number of years,” said Agnew. “What people don’t realise is that he’s a proper football guy, well into his coaching. I couldn’t believe after the session (on Thursday) how excited he was in terms of his work with the defenders. I’m sure he’ll be a great appointment.

The Northern Echo:

“Joe’s (Jordan) brought a lot of experience and Jonathan’s got a lot of enthusiasm. Paul Jenkins has moved up from the Under-23s and he will bring enthusiasm too. There’s Leo (Percovich) with the goalkeepers and we have a real togetherness and feel for each other.

“Jonathan was a top-class defender, and he’s from the Middlesbrough area so he’s in a place now where he wants to be. He has a lot of respect because of his name. He’s enjoying it, he carries a lot of respect though not just his playing career, but also the way he’s interacted with the group in two days.”

The appointment of both Woodgate and Jordan suggests Agnew will be not be going anywhere until the end of the season at the earliest, although the former number two insists he has not received any promises from Boro chairman Steve Gibson.

“I haven’t (spoken to Gibson),” he said. “The one thing with the chairman is that he lets you get on with it. He said get on with it and enjoy it, and that’s what we’re doing. That’s where were at with it.

“I literally do take it on a day-to-day basis and enjoy working with the players. I’m looking forward to the Swansea game and that’s it. When a result is positive, it changes so quickly. I’ve experienced that before.”