Ay, whether to bring back Dan is a tough call

GARRY Monk faces a monumental decision whether to bring back Daniel Ayala following his onematch suspension. The Spanish defender did himself no favours with a series of rash decisions against Derby County which led to him receiving two yellow cards. Ayala also conceded the penalty early in the second half which led to a collective loss of morale. Monk has a habit of dropping players this season who make serious mistakes, which suggests he may look for different options at the back.

It is a shame for Ayala because the big defender had been working hard to try to get back into gear this season.

He struggled last season both in terms of injuries and failing to win selection. Early this season it seemed he might not appear in Monk’s plans.

However, Ayala was restored to the line-up following Dael Fry’s crucial error against Norwich and he was gradually getting his feet under the table again.

Ayala has not yet looked the player he once was - but he was improving and his partnership with Ben Gibson promised to pay dividends.

However he suffered from several rushes of blood against Derby.

Whether he was trying too hard, or simply made poor decisions, remains to be seen.

Monk has a great deal to weigh up because he has left out fellow defenders Fry and Ryan Shotton this season after they have made mistakes. In Boro’s last two seasons in the Championship, their strength lay in their defensive foundation which, ironically, featured Ayala and Gibson together.

Monk has made a cracking defensive signing in right-back Cyrus Christie, while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has been reasonably dependable despite his boob against Derby.

Clearly if Monk can sort out his defence in the second half of the season then Boro might yet achieve something more than we current anticipate.