Jonathan Woodgate reveals Celtic friendly plus when George Friend and Ryan Shotton could return

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate says George Friend and Ryan Shotton will get more minutes for the club’s under-23 side before making their first-team returns.

By Joe Nicholson

Published 5th Feb 2020, 14:41 BST

Updated 5th Feb 2020, 14:48 BST

The defensive pair have been sidelined for over two months through injury but could be in contention to face Luton on Saturday February 15.

Shotton played for the Teessiders’ under-23 side against Fulham on Sunday, while Friend wasn’t quite ready to feature.

Both are pencilled in to play for Graeme Lee’s side against Blackburn on Friday night and could start a behind closed doors friendly against Celtic next Tuesday.

“Ryan played against Fulham, got 60 minutes on Sunday, he will play again Friday and play 90 minutes,” said Woodgate.

“George Friend will play 45 or 60 minutes against Blackburn on Friday, then we have a behind closed doors game against Celtic on Tuesday which George and Ryan I think will play and then they will be available for selection.”