Boss eyes Carabao win despite making changes
CHRIS Wilder insists he will not take the Carabao Cup clash with Barnsley lightly despite confirming he will make changes to his team for tomorrow’s game.
The former Sheffield United boss sees the Riverside clash as a good opportunity for Boro to get their first victory of the season after failing to beat West Brom and QPR in their opening Championship games.
With the Blades set to visit Teesside on Sunday, Wilder said he wants to keep his stars fresh for that crunch Championship clash as he looks to improve on a difficult start.
Boro know the value of a good cup run after their efforts in getting to the FA Cup quarter-finals last season jump-started their play-off push.
Wilder believes the Tykes tussle is a good opportunity to get minutes into the legs of his fringe players - but is still eyeing a precious victory.
He said: “We look to Wednesday as an opportunity to get that first win of the season.
“I don’t think we’re a million miles off - first half last week and second half this week.
“However, you have to say we have one point out of six and we cannot hide away from that.
“We understand the league is where we are going to be judged ultimately.
“So Wednesday is an opportunity to get some minutes into players but also it is an opportunity to protect some of them because I think we all realise the next one against Sheffield
United is quite a big one as well.” It is unclear which starters Wilder will look to rest but, given the small size of his squad, he will look to keep at least some fit and ready for the league which is considered a higher priority.
With defender Darragh Lenihan suspended, the Barnsley game is likely to offer stopper Dael Fry an opportunity to come back into the side and impress in central defence.
Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair could also benefit from game-time after a minor preseason injury.
Forwards Chuba Akpom and Marcus Forss will likely benefit from more game-time.
We look to Wednesday as an opportunity to get that first win. I don’t think we’re a million
miles off
Chris Wilder