Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough FC: Why Leo Castledine will have to remain a supersub for now
Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough For one more game at least, Middlesbrough’s Leo Castledine will have to content himself with the role of supersub, despite his impact since returning from injury.
Castledine put Boro ahead at home to Bristol City last week in his third cameo since returning from injury. It would have been a winner but for Adam Randell's stoppage-time equaliser.
The keen eye for goal Castledine showed on loan at Huddersfield Town in the first half of the season would be very welcome at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, but coach Kim Hellberg says he must resist the temptation.
"It was very unlucky with the injury at a time when we don't have as many training (sessions)," said Hellberg of a player injured three games into his Boro career.
"He's not ready to start a game from my point of view. I don't think it would benefit him.
"It's a big difference coming on against tired players. He's been creating a lot of opportunities.
"It would be more tough when you start a game and you haven't trained that much."
That Boro go from this game into an international break should be good news for Castledine, but less so for others.
Curacao's Sontje Hansen, Riley McGree of Australia and American Aidan Morris are due to play in friendlies in the run-up to Millwall’s Good Friday visit.
Curacao play in Australia at 10.10am on Tuesday, UK time. The USA v Portugal is at midnight on Tuesday/Wednesday.
“I can always try to have communication with the national teams," said Hellberg. "If they are qualifying for the World Cup, there is no say for me."
Hayden Hackney is set to miss Saturday’s game with a calf injury, but how many more is unclear.