Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate defended his decision to drop several youngsters as the team lost to Barnsley yesterday.

A goal from Conor Chaplin condemned Boro to an eight successive league game without a win and has left the team just three points above the relegation zone.

Therefore, it was a huge blow for Woodgate's men to lose against the Tykes but the manner of the defeat angered the fans even more, as Boro failed to register a shot on target and were deservedly beaten.

That came after the boss made several changes, with Djed Spence not making the squad, whilst Hayden Coulson and Marcus Tavernier were surprisingly left out.

Following the result, it was a decision that appeared to backfire but Woodgate explained his thinking behind the call when speaking to the Teesside Gazette.

"I thought that team would win the game. Listen, Djed’s been doing okay but he needs to do more, he needs to do more. These are young lads and we are in a relegation battle so sometimes you need people who have been there and done it and really fought.

"You need experienced players at times. We are in this situation and I have been playing young players and we are three points off the relegation zone - even though I have been playing younger players."

The verdict

You can understand Woodgate's thinking in wanting experience for a huge game but those three players have done well on the whole this season and they will feel as though they have been made scapegoats for the poor form.

However, those that came in yesterday did not take their opportunity on what was a hugely disappointing day for Boro.

Now, Woodgate is in a tricky position and it will be interesting to see who he selects for the tough fixture against Leeds on Wednesday.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.