Middlesbrough FC

Founded:1876
Manager:Tony Mowbray

Ground:Riverside Stadium
Capacity:35049

Next Game: 14-Feb-2012 19:45: Middlesbrough
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Southgate ponders changes

24 Sep 2007 - 14:16:42

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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate may have to bring a new striker to the club as injuries start to decimate his attacking options.

Jeremie Aliadiere is sidelined for at least a month with a hamstring problem, while Mido and Tuncay both picked up injuries in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Southgate may give youngsters Tom Craddock or Ben Hutchinson a first-team chance but has not discounted the possibility of bringing an out-of-contract striker to the Riverside Stadium.

Southgate told Boro's official website: "I might have to look at people who are out of contract and available on a free.

"We might also look at youngsters like Tom Craddock and Ben Hutchinson, who have both been scoring goals for the reserves.

"It's a big step up to the first team but sometimes you have to throw people in and have a look at them that way. That's for me to decide after a couple of sleepless nights!

"I was tempted to put (David) Wheater up front on Saturday when we lost Mido and Tuncay. We discussed it at half-time and then again early in the second half.

"It was a judgement call really, but we decided to strengthen the midfield instead."