Jonathan Woodgate quizzed on confusing Luton subs after leaving out Marcus Tavernier and Ravel Morrison

Tavernier was left on the bench as Boro were beaten 1-0 at the Riverside and dragged back into the Championship relegation fight.

Many supporters were confused when Tavernier didn’t come on, especially when Boro were struggling to create chances against the division’s leakiest defence.

Instead, Woodgate introduced Britt Assombalonga and Rudy Gestede and played with four strikers in the closing stages.

When asked about Tavernier ahead of Saturday’s trip to Barnsley, Woodgate said: “Tav’s done really well, but there’s a time when sometimes you need to come out of the team.

“When you are a young kid you are not always consistent every single game. So I need to bear that in mind not only with him but with all the young players. Sometimes you need that little bit of experience in there.

“But I think Tav’s had his best season at the football club this year, he’s played a lot of games, he’s started 19 on the bounce, which I think is incredible for a young kid of 20. He’s going to get more games.”

New Boro signing Ravel Morrison was also available to come on against Luton but didn’t enter the fray.

When quizzed on Morrison, Woodgate said: “I didn’t think we needed him at that point. It’s one of them things, lets see if he plays at the weekend.”