In Seny Dieng’s absence, Tom Glover has stepped into Middlesbrough’s starting lineup with such ease that Michael Carrick has lauded him for it.
Glover came to Boro in the summer from Australian team Melbourne City, but had not played a game until mid-December, having only played in the Carabao Cup’s preliminary stages.
That changed when Dieng was hurt in the thigh taking a goal kick during the victory over Swansea City, and Glover has performed well since being brought in to take the position of his Senegalese colleague.
The 26-year-old played brilliantly in the FA Cup third-round loss to Aston Villa last weekend, and he came up big on Tuesday in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory, diving to his right to block a goal-bound attempt from Cole Palmer.
“It’s simple for me to talk about the team and how everyone plays a part, but when there are weeks without a game, it’s difficult for the players,” stated Carrick. The ability to remain motivated and believe in yourself when you have to wait for an opportunity is perhaps the ultimate challenge.
“Well done, Tom. His recent success in games has been encouraging. And over the past several weeks, he has made some extremely significant saves for us.
Glover will start for Boro against Millwall in tomorrow’s Championship match, despite Dieng’s return to Teesside following his forced withdrawal from the Senegal squad during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Dieng will finish his recuperation at Rockliffe Park instead of staying in Ivory Coast in the hopes of being ready for the tournament’s later stages because his thigh problem is still bothering him.
Carrick added, “He’s back here with us now and working his way back to fitness.” “Obviously, he’s not available just yet, but hopefully, we can get him back as soon as possible.”
After joining Boro this month, Luke Ayling and Finn Azaz are both eligible to play at the Den. Morgan Rogers and Sam Greenwood are also included in the squad, despite being ineligible for the first leg of the semi-final on Tuesday.
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