Jonathan Woodgate reveals how Middlesbrough striker reacted to Leeds United exclusion ahead of crucial Charlton clash

Gestede joined Boro while the club were in the Premier League but has endued a disappointing two and a half years on Teesside.

That is partly down to injuries, and the towering frontman has made just three Championship starts this campaign.

Gestede, 31, will see his Boro contract expire this summer and it seems extremely unlikely he will be offered a new deal.

But despite the criticism, Gestede justified his place in the starting XI after scoring against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

“Rudy did well the other day,” said Woodgate when asked about Gestede ahead of Saturday’s crucial trip to Charlton.

“He was injured for the majority of the start of the season, then he got himself back fit and then he got injured again.

“Like I say he’s done well, he’s played three games and scored two goals, one against Preston, one against Forest and he played against Fulham.

“He’s scored two in three really and needs more time on the pitch.”

Earlier this month Gestede didn’t even make the substitutes bench when Boro were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United.

Woodgate says the striker reacted well, though, and hasn’t downed tools despite his contract situation.

“When footballers have a pride about themselves and people write them off and slag them off then it’s a different ball game,” Woodgate added.

“If any player’s got a bit about themselves they come out fighting and to be honest with you that’s what Rudy’s done and fair play to him because maybe some players down tools.

“From day one since I’ve been in the building his attitude has been very, very good. Okay I had a conversation with him when I left him out of the squad the other week, he wasn’t too happy - I wouldn’t be.

“But how he reacted the next day in the changing room supporting the players and looking at me and supporting me was fantastic.”