Which Middlesbrough players are on international duty?published at 16:40 14 November
16:40 14 November
Image source, Rex Features
There are eight Middlesbrough players who have been called up for senior international duty this week:
Seny Dieng for Senegal
Anfernee Dijksteel for Suriname
Aidan Morris for USA
Isaiah Jones for Guyana
Ben Doak and Tommy Conway for Scotland
Riley McGree for Australia
Finn Azaz for Republic of Ireland
You can keep up to date with how they are getting on using our scores and fixtures list as well as follow Scotland and the Republic of Ireland's matches live on the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 Live.
🎧 ' Carrick manages exactly how he plays'published at 11:22 13 November
11:22 13 November
Media caption,
Middlesbrough full-back and former Huddersfield captain Tommy Smith joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
This week's 72+:The EFL Podcast guest is Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith, who talks about his career so far with promotion joy and disappointing setbacks.
The experienced right-back, who's been out injured since October 2023 but is on the road to recovery, also reserved praise for Boro head coach and former Manchester United captain Michael Carrick.
"One thing you would say about Michael Carrick is - I've seen it first-hand as soon as he walked through the door - he coaches and he manages exactly how he plays," Smith said.
"I think the players can relate to him very, very well.
"As a player, all you want is clarity and honesty. That's certainly two things I've found over the years that are very, very important when it comes to dealing with managers and coaches and that's what he gives you."
Middlesbrough is Carrick's first permanent managerial role, having briefly took over as caretaker for the Red Devils in November 2021 before Ralf Rangnick became interim boss 12 days later.
Smith, however, feels that the former England international is making the most of his first appointment.
"From my point of view, he's done a terrific job," he added.
Smith desperate to return for Boropublished at 16:25 12 November
16:25 12 November
Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,
Tommy Smith has played 47 games for Middlesbrough since joining in 2022
Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith admits he is desperate to get back playing again after more than a year on the sidelines.
Smith, 32, has been out since October 2023 when he ruptured his Achilles in a match against Birmingham City.
The former Huddersfield Town and Stoke City player has undergone an extensive period of rehabilitation but hopes he is near the end of it.
"I'm on the road to recovery and hopefully I'll be back on the grass again sooner rather than later," he told 72+: The EFL Podcast.
Smith was Boro's regular right-back under boss Michael Carrick when he got injured, with Luke Ayling arriving from Leeds United, initially on loan in January, to cover for his absence.
The defender says he has "hated" having to go through his recovery period and he 'craves' a return to match action.
"I want to get fit as soon as possible," he said. "I've absolutely hated every single minute of his rehabilitation.
"I'm a firm believer that it will make me stronger mentally. But I just want to get back on the grass.
"I crave that routine of going in on a Monday morning and preparing for a game on a Saturday."
Image source, Rex Features
