Middlesbrough FC

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Boro question Wheater trip

16 Oct 2008 - 16:39:02

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has questioned the wisdom of England flying David Wheater out to Minsk to watch Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

Wheater was part of the England Under-21 side which took part in Tuesday's European Under-21 Championship play-off against Wales at Villa Park before heading off to join up with the full squad.

The Boro defender and under-21 colleague Joe Hart of Manchester City headed out to Belarus to bolster Fabio Capello's full England squad despite not taking part in any training sessions.

"I have to be very careful about my reaction. I don't want to detract from what was a marvellous England performance," said Southgate.

"I am absolutely delighted for David on a personal basis because I know how much it means to a young player to be called into the full squad.

"But as manager of Middlesbrough, I am in a situation where I am trying to prepare for a Premier League game.

"So I am not too impressed when one of my players is asked to take a flight to Belarus to watch the senior squad play, immediately after taking part in an under-21 match.

"As Middlesbrough manager I feel that we have to fight our own corner.

"We are playing Chelsea at 12.45pm on Saturday and it's important to galvanise everything we can because we are playing one of the big boys."