Middlesbrough have a number of injury issues in their first-team squad at this moment in time.
A long list of senior players are currently unavailable for selection by Michael Carrick.
That of course, will not be helping ‘Boro as they attempt to make a late push for the Championship play-offs in the latter stages of this season.
However, there have also been one or two more positive bits of news on the injury front for Middlesbrough in recent times.
One of those potentially useful boosts that the club have been given in that regard recently, comes courtesy of Sonny Finch.
Sonny Finch back in contention
Last season was something of a breakthrough one for Finch with the club, after coming through the academy ranks.
The striker made his first four senior appearances for Middlesbrough, including three in the Championship.
That then saw him sign a new long-term contract at The Riverside Stadium last summer. Speaking about Finch at the time, Carrick described him as ‘excellent’.
However, the striker has in fact, not made a senior appearance for the club in over a year, having been beset by an injury issue since last March.
Now though, he is back in contention for a return to action, having been named on the bench for Middlesbrough in the goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers last time out.
There may therefore be an argument that Carrick ought to actually give Finch a go on the pitch sooner rather than later.
Middlesbrough should use Sonny Finch
One of the positions that ‘Boro are currently struggling with injuries in, is cetre forward.
Neither Marcus Forss or Josh Coburn look as though they will be available to feature at Southampton on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Matthew Hoppe has not even featured since his ill-fated loan spell with San Jose Earthquakes ended prematurely back in December.
That has left Carrick with few natural options in that position, givig Finch another chance in the Middlesbrough first-team could make sense.
For starters, it would help to fill the void they currently have in that position, with a natural option.
Meanwhile, although he has not played at senior level for some time, Finch has been in impressive form at youth level recently.
The 18-year-old has scored four goals in the last four games that Middlesbrough’s Under 21s have played.
The form and confidence he can take from that, means he may be a threat for Carrick’s side too. Finch is also versatile enough to pplay in a range of attacking roles.
That could also help ‘Boro cope with the challenges they face due to their recent injury issues.
With Middlesbrough also currently 10th in the Championship table, seven points adrift of the play-off places, the pressure is mostly off between now and the end of the season.
This may therefore be a good time to give Finch another chance to adapt to the demands of football at this level.
As a result, it does look as though the young striker is one Middlesbrough player Carrick ought to be considering giving another chance to, sooner rather than later.