Middlesbrough have had a bit of a strange season amid a host of disquiet among the fans towards Tony Pulis, yet they still sit inside the play-off places.

This weekend sees them welcome league-leaders Norwich City to the Riverside in what is sure to be a real test of their promotion credentials.

But one player who definitely will not be making an appearance, and likely never again for the club whilst Pulis is there, is striker Martin Braithwaite.

The Boro boss launched a scathing attack on the Danish striker after he demanded a move away from the North East club, branding him ‘ungrateful’ according to the Teeside Gazette.

Braithwaite scored three goals in ten appearances for the club during the first half of the season but forced a loan move to La Liga side Leganes in January.

So, was Pulis right to do what he did?

We discuss…

Alfie Burns

“Surely he’s got other things to focus on?

“We know that Braithwaite doesn’t have the best relationship with the Boro boss, but slating him in the press isn’t going to help his side beat Norwich tomorrow.

“Should’ve kept his trap shut."

Toby Wilding

"It's no surprise that Pulis is going to defend himself and his club.

“Like him or not, Pulis has done pretty well for himself, and several teams, with his tactics throughout his career, and given Brathwaite has made it pretty clear he has no intention of returning to The Riverside, Pulis had nothing to lose in what he said.

"He may have even won a few 'Boro fans back round slightly with his defence of the club."

Louie Chandler

“You would think he could be the bigger man here.

“Pulis has every right to be upset by the way Braithwaite went about leaving the club but as manager he should be setting an example for the players to follow.

“What message does it send to the players when they see their boss bashing their former teammate in public?”