Middlesbrough FC

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Wheater fighting for Boro spot

13 Nov 2008 - 12:15:58

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Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater has been urged to fight for a starting spot, having been dropped to the bench for last weekend's 2-1 victory at Aston Villa.

The 21-year-old England Under-21 international had to watch on at Villa Park as Emanuel Pogatetz and Chris Riggott did a superb job for Gareth Southgate's side.

However, Boro assistant boss Malcolm Crosby is confident that Wheater will soon force his way back into the starting eleven.

He told the Northern Echo: "David has been a little bit unfortunate. We knew he could play at right-back so, because of circumstances, we decided to play him there.

"Chris Riggott came in and Emanuel Pogatetz came back from injury while David was at right-back and they've both done extremely well.

"David's been unfortunate in that he hasn't been able to get back in at centre-back.

"That presents a new challenge, but it's one he's going to have to meet head on. I talk to all the young players and I tell them they have to be prepared for competition if they want to have long careers.

"If you are not in the team, it's all about what you do next. Do you sulk, or do you redouble your efforts to make sure you get back in?

"It's the first time David's really had to face that choice, but all the signs suggest he'll go about things the right way."