Middlesbrough were held to a score draw away at Ipswich Town on the weekend, which has all but ended their hopes of a play-off campaign.
A point at Portman Road is certainly not a poor result by any means, with Ipswich challenging for automatic promotion.
But Boro needed to win, really, to keep their top six aspirations alive, but it wasn’t to be, despite a battling performance.
Now, in the remaining three games, Michael Carrick can be experimental and should hand Middlesbrough’s ‘hot prospect’ his big chance.
Michael Carrick should hand Sonny Finch an opportunity to impress
Sonny Finch is a player Middlesbrough fans will be well aware of, as he’s been tearing it up in the youth set-up over the last few years. Here are his stats, as per Transfermarkt.
Finch, a 2005-born centre-forward, made his England under-18 debut last year and has picked up three caps, netting once in a 3-1 win against Switzerland.
He’s already made five senior appearances for the Riverside outfit and is edging closer to a full Championship debut, having appeared as a substitute during the 2-0 win against Swansea City earlier this month.
With nothing of note really to play for, Carrick should bed him in and give him the chance to impress in the remaining three games of the season.
Michael Carrick well aware of Sonny Finch’s talent
After making his league debut last season, Carrick heaped praise on the young striker and noted that he had impressed in training.
“Finchy has been excellent in training and I thought he deserved his chance. I’m delighted for Sonny. He’s one we’ve been looking at for some time now, as we do any of the younger players,” the Boro boss said.
“Obviously it’s up to them to take their chances and he’s definitely done that over the last few weeks. He’s made a real impact in training and he has great character and personality.”
“When they do well, that’s exactly the kind of player that we want with us. I’m delighted that I was able to get him on. I know it was only a short time but it was a big moment for him, and the boys were all delighted for him as well. Hopefully there is more to come.”
Finch has had to be patient this term, with an ankle injury plaguing him, but now is the perfect chance to hand him a platform to showcase his talents.