Karanka: Leadbitter deservedly taking his Boro chance

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka admits there is an extra sense of delight in seeing club captain Grant Leadbitter show the Premier League exactly what he is made of.

Injury has forced the 31-year-old into a bit-part role this season, with his appearance against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup just a sixth of the season following surgery on a hernia.

And the return has also brought rewards for the midfielder, scoring against the Owls for his second in two starts having opened his account in the defeat to Manchester United.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

But Karanka believes his impact goes far beyond appearances on the scoresheet, heaping praise on his skipper’s attitude during Boro’s transition from Championship to Premier League football, as they currently sit four points clear of relegation danger.

“I’ve always said that Grant is the kind of player that has helped me a lot since I arrived here,” said Karanka. “In the best moments and the worst.

“I’m really pleased because he’s showing everyone now. The most important thing for me has been his attitude.

“He has shown that even when he’s not played he’s the captain and the character in this squad. Now he’s had his chance and taken it.”