Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has issued a warning to the youngsters in his squad after Boro's 'terrible' Carabao Cup exit to Crewe on Tuesday.

The ex-Real Madrid defender was particularly disappointed with the players who had come into the side as the majority failed to take their opportunity.

Crewe were victorious on penalties after drawing the game 2-2 at the Riverside.

Woodgate had made ten changes from Saturday's defeat to Brentford, with many players rested ahead of the weekend's match against Blackburn.

The newly appointed Boro manager had strong words about the attitude of his squad and hopes that they take on board the warning he has given about required standards.

Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail, he said: “When you have a different starting XI like we did against Crewe you expect people to be knocking the door down but that didn’t happen. That makes the team quite simple to pick for Saturday.

"You can have talented kids but if you don’t have the work rate, the mindset you won’t make it. You need the desire and hunger to improve and succeed.

“You need to turn up every day in training and in games and when you are playing against lesser opposition."

Woodgate's side travel to Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon with either team yet to pick up three points this season.

The Verdict

Woodgate has every right to be fuming after Tuesday's nights performance. It was a big chance for players who weren't in the first XI to earn a place after Boro's poor start to the season.

It will be a shame to have seen a side littered with new signings and youngsters come undone against a League Two outfit.

What Woodgate has said since the match will have boosted Middlesbrough's supporter fears that he isn't strong enough to manage a dressing room. With comments like this, he is stamping his authority at the Riverside and will hopefully see some results follow.