Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has defended his decision to play midfielder Kevin Thomson on Saturday so soon after his return from a broken leg. The Scotland international limped off eight minutes into the 2-2 npower Championship draw with Portsmouth after being included with less than a week's training under his belt. Scans have revealed there is no new break and he faces a fortnight on the sidelines, although Barry Robson's suspension once again leaves Strachan short of midfielders. However, Strachan told the Evening Gazette: "Six weeks out is about right for the injury that Kevin had. My own son had the same injury when he was at Hartlepool and he was back in six weeks. "The doctors know more than anyone and we always take their advice."
Source: PA
Source: PA