Celtic friendly leads to defensive boost ahead of Middlesbrough's meeting with Luton Town

Friend, 32, and Shotton, 31, have been sidelined for over two months through injury but will be available for Saturday’s meeting with Luton Town at the Riverside.

Both players have played for the club’s under-23 side in recent weeks and came through a friendly match against Celtic reserves on Tuesday afternoon.

When asked if the pair could play against Luton, Woodgate said: “They have both played 60 minutes and 90 minutes, they have ticked every box.

“Let’s see if they play. It is fantastic to have players with their experience, what they bring, a wealth of it.”

“Ryan and George have played a lot of games. They have been there, seen it and done it. When was the last time I had a really experience centre-back or left-back on the bench who I could say go and do a job for me. It’s important now I have got that.”

Boro haven’t kept a clean sheet for six Championship games, dating back to their 2-0 victory over Preston on New Year’s Day.

The Teessiders have also conceded the first goal in their last five Championship matches and dropped crucial points in the closing stages of recent fixtures.

And despite giving younger players the chance to impress this season, Woodgate believes his side’s inexperience has shown.

“At times we have had naivety,” added the Boro boss. “You do get that with younger players at times. I was a young player once and I was the same. When you are older, you see out games a bit better, more resolute. You need to keep the team together.

“I’d say Tuesday (against Wigan) was an example of that, and I’d say that against Fulham and Brentford as well. If you get back into the game you need to see it out.

“The goal against Wigan was a bit of a freak, but that can be stopped. It doesn’t just happen with Harold (Moukoudi), players should be in better positions to start with. It shouldn’t even get to Harold.”