Southgate Insists He Was Right To Send McMahon To Owls!

Last updated : 16 December 2008 By Boro Mad

McMahon put in a committed display against the Gunners and earned praise from Arsene Wenger.

Southgate had to throw the 22-year-old right-back in at the deep end on Saturday in the midst of a defensive crisis.

McMahon captained Boro to FA Youth Cup glory in 2004, but he has suffered with massive injury problems since former boss Steve McClaren tipped him for the top.

Injuries include knee problems, a dislocated shoulder and a broken leg.

A hamstring injury prematurely ended a loan spell at Blackpool last season and, he was reluctant when offered the chance of a another temporary move, this time to Hillsborough.

However, Southgate is convinced that the 15 games he played in the Championship on loan for Wednesday have made him a stronger and better player.

Gareth Southgate: "We sent him on loan to Sheffield Wednesday because he needed matches.

"He wasn't too enamoured when I asked him to go on loan, but without that loan spell he probably wouldn't have started because he needed those games under his belt."