Middlesbrough v Barnsley: Suspended Shotton must analyse and learn says Moore

BARNSLEY defender Darren Moore says it is important for Ryan Shotton to learn from his mistakes.

Shotton will miss Barnsley's next four games after being sent off for the second time this season during last weekend's victory over Watford.

Speaking ahead of tonight's trip to Middlesbrough, Moore – who has clocked up over 600 senior games during 18 years in the game – said: "I always try to help the younger defenders as much as I possibly can.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I know what it is like being sent off and there is nothing anyone can really say to make you feel better. All you can do is analyse the situation and learn from it."

Shotton, 22, is on loan with the Tykes until the end of the season from Stoke City, and was shown a straight red by referee Fred Graham for a reckless tackle on Watford's Lloyd Doyley.

He was also sent off against Bristol City in October for a professional foul.

Moore said: "It is a heat of the moment thing but he has to learn from that situation. When you go in for tackles like that in today's game you always run the risk of a red card. He has to learn not to be be lulled into it again."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The loss of Shotton is likely to be compounded by the absence of Rob Kozluk and Bobby Hassell, both experienced right-backs, who are still not fully fit after groin injuries.

Manager Mark Robins is not ruling out the possibility of signing a short-term replacement, saying: "We have Rob and Bobby just around the corner nearly fit. Do I sign a player who can cover centre-back and right-back – but they are difficult to find – or do I just get a right-back to fill in while Ryan is out?

"There is a bit of a dilemma. I don't want to spend money that doesn't need to be spent but equally I want to give us the best opportunity."

Barnsley will travel to the Riverside Stadium tonight seeking to maintain growing hopes of play-off qualification.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After taking over a club that was struggling in the relegation zone, Robins has steered the Tykes to ninth in the table – just three points adrift of sixth-placed Leicester City.

"We have given ourselves a good platform to try and build on," said Robins cautiously. "It is important now to keep our good run and good recent record going."

Boro were beaten 2-1 at Oakwell and are now a point behind the Tykes in the table.

Australian international striker Scott McDonald could make his debut for Boro, eights days after joining the club in a reported 3.5m move from Celtic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McDonald, who played on loan for Huddersfield Town as a teenager eight years ago, was not risked against Ipswich Town last weekend due to a recent hernia operation.

Last six games: Boro LLDWDD, Barnsley LLWLWW.

Last time: Boro 1 Barnsley 1; March 14, 1995; Championship.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).