Middlesbrough’s teenage academy starlet Sonny Finch put in an impressive display to remind Head Coach Michael Carrick of his potential.
The 18-year-old who has recently returned from a long-term injury, scored twice and also grabbed an assist in what was described by The club website as a ‘remarkable’ comeback against Man Utd U21s in the Premier League 2 on Friday.
Middlesbrough were 2-0 down to a United XI that featured 37-year-old veteran Tom Huddlestone, but managed to run out 3-2 victors after a stunning fightback. He bagged a goal either side of half-time and then had a hand in Ajay Matthews’ winner.
Sonny Finch showing prolific streak
With five goals and one assist this season, Finch now sits on the same amount of goal involvements as Calum Kavanagh who was recently sold to Bradford City. His statistics overall in Under 21 games highlights his impressive prolificacy. In 22 appearances, he has managed 15 goals and 4 assists.
The performance will serve to remind Carrick of his potency and potential, not that the Middlesbrough boss will need reminding. He is a huge advocate of giving youth a chance and did in fact give Finch his first Championship involvement at the tender age of 17 last season.
High praise from the boss
In March last year, Carrick made the bold call to include Finch in the matchday squad ahead of the well established winger Isaiah Jones. The then 17-year-old came on for his Middlesbrough league debut against Swansea. At the time, Carrick spoke to Teesside Live and was effusive in his praise of Finch, stating that it was not a token selection and that he was there on merit.
Carrick said:
“There was no reason [why Isaiah Jones missed out]. Finchy has just 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.
“We’re desperate to give them a chance and get them involved when we can. 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.”
Striker can still have a say at Middlesbrough this season
Finch’s impressive form is good news for Middlesbrough fans who have have to adapt their expectations in terms of striking options this campaign.
A combination of unfortunate injuries to Josh Coburn and Latte Lath and Finch himself has meant Boro have had to find alternative ways to play, and in reality, it has not always worked. They certainly have not enjoyed the embarrassment of riches they were afforded last season with Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer. But that burden has been eased in recent weeks with an upturn in results and a slight formation tweak that has seen Marcus Forss played in a more active striker role alongside Latte Lath.
In spite of Latte Lath and Forss getting amongst the goals, Finch can definitely play his part in a remaining schedule that will see plenty of games close together. The Wearside-born striker could be the next academy starlet off the well-renowned conveyor belt of talent produced on Teesside. Hayden Hackney and Josh Coburn have treaded the pathway from the youth set-up and are proving that if you are good enough, you’re old enough.
Carrick is clearly impressed with his temperament, if the hard work continues, we could see a lot more of him in a Middlesbrough shirt.