Danny Cowley has commented on the prospects of handing a start to the in-form Juninho Bacuna ahead of Wednesday night’s test against Middlesbrough.

Huddersfield face Middlesbrough on Wednesday night at the John Smith’s Stadium as they look to continue their fine run of form under their new manager, Danny Cowley.

Huddersfield have picked up eight points in their last four games, which accounts for all but one of their season’s tally so far.

One player who has been key to this Cowley revival has been the energetic midfielder, Juninho Bacuna. Bacuna has been instrumental in Huddersfield’s four-game unbeaten run.

The Curaçao international came off the bench in Huddersfield’s away victory to Stoke, scoring the only goal to clinch the Terriers’ first victory of the season, which he then followed up with another substitute-masterclass against Hull City.

With the game stuck at 0-0 and threatening to fizzle out into a draw, Bacuna was brought off the bench where he assisted a goal then scored himself to help Town to a 3-0 win. 

His most recent exploits again came off the bench against Blackburn where his goal secured a draw as Huddersfield came from 2-1 down to gain a point.

With such an impact off the bench in three successive games, there is no surprise to see speculation about why he hasn’t been rewarded with a start yet. When speaking to the club’s official site, Danny Cowley had this to say on the matter: “Juninho has been excellent. His contribution has been obvious.

“He’s scored three goals in 70 odd minutes.

“He’s a kid that could be anything he wants to be.

“We are trying to manage him and set him up to be the player he’s capable of being.”

The Verdict

Bacuna can feel hard-done-by if his efforts aren’t rewarded with a start against Middlesbrough tomorrow, however, he must respect his manager’s judgement on the matter. Cowley is clearly deciding what the best course of action is on the matter.

Cowley will probably be keen to stick to the same starting eleven and set up that has brought this unbeaten run and will continue to use Bacuna as an impact-sub while it is bringing Town the results it is.

There is always the argument that he may not have the same impact if playing from the beginning.