Karanka delighted by Leadbitter return

Beating Bournemouth 2-0 at the Riverside was a huge boost to Middlesbrough’s Premier League campaign, but Aitor Karanka insists seeing the return of Grant Leadbitter will prove more pivotal still.

The 30-year-old midfielder had not featured for ‘Boro since their return to the Premier League, but appeared just after the hour mark to help see out a 2-0 win inspired by the man he replaced – Gaston Ramirez.

Leadbitter had hernia surgery at the end of last season but complications in his recovery meant he missed the entirety of pre-season and is only just working his way back to fitness.

His road to recovery continued against Newcastle Under-23s as he completed 90 minutes in a 2-0 loss to their fierce rivals

“I said always how important he is for the team,” the Spaniard said.

“Even when he was injured, he was travelling with the team, and you can feel his character on the pitch and in the changing room.

(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

“Now with him training and playing it is a massive and important thing for us.

“It’s always a positive experience to get onto the football pitch with a recognised first team player, especially with a player of Grant Leadbitter’s calibre.

“It is great experience for the players, Grant is a fantastic player as well as the club captain.”