Yesterday it was reported on The72 that Rudy Gestede would be given the nod to partner Ashley Fletcher in Middlesbrough’s visit to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.
But according to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough Head Coach Jonathan Woodgate is prepared to give 19-year old Stephen Walker his first start for the club instead.
Gestede has not started a game since November 2018 away at Preston North End, and has had a difficult time with injuries since. It was reported that the Benin international would be given the nod ahead of Walker given his experience.
But with youngster Djed Spence given his full debut at the weekend and being given the man of the match award in their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic, Woodgate is prepared to take another gamble with a youngster in midweek.
Walker has played five times so far this campaign after being given his first minutes against Blackburn earlier in the season, and has impressed in his brief cameo appearances.
The reason Woodgate is needing to decide between Walker and Gestede is due to the injury sustained by number one choice striker Britt Assombalonga in their last fixture. The forward limped off against Charlton, and left the stadium on crutches.
Walker is suggested to be ahead of Gestede in the running to start due to the latter playing in Middlesbrough’s under-23s fixture on Monday night against Aston Villa, with the former being rested for the fixture, and instead training with the first team ahead of the visit to The City Ground.