Grant’s a key man for Boro

Grant Leadbitter

The midfielder, who started his career at Sunderland, was rested against Derby eight days ago and was conspicuous by his absence. Boro were all at sea in the second half and lacked a cool head.

Leadbitter will relish the opportunity to try to help Boro get back on track at home in the “six-pointer” against another of his former clubs, Ipswich Town, next week.

His partnership with experienced midfielder Howson will also be important, because the duo can lift the players around them. And if Leadbitter and Howson can have an even more dominating impact in the middle, then it will help restore much-needed confidence throughout the team.

GRANT Leadbitter’s inspirational level-headed approach makes him a key Boro man in the second half of the season. The 31-year-old has worked tirelessly to force himself into the forefront of Garry Monk’s thoughts, after being omitted early in the...