Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk has revealed that Adama Traore didn't feature against Barnsley on Saturday because he was late arriving for the team bus.

The explosive winger has delivered inconsistent performances this season, but his threat is undeniable given his electric speed.

Therefore, many were surprised to see that he couldn't even make the squad in Yorkshire, but Monk said that it was down to his time-keeping.

In terms of Adama, he was late for the bus, and you can't be late for the bus,” he told the Northern Echo.

We don't accept that. That's why he wasn't in the squad. Those are the rules that every player and everyone has to abide by. We were travelling, he missed the time, and that's why he missed the trip.

We'll keep everything else in house, get back to work, and focus on the next game.”

Next up for Boro is a game at home to high-flying Cardiff and a defeat could leave the Teesside club potentially ten points off an automatic spot.

The Verdict

Garry Monk had to leave Traore out to show his authority to the group. It may seem a minor issue but it's important that nobody is seen to be allowed to break the club rules.

The winger should know a lot better and he has let everyone at the club down in a very silly manner.

Traore will now need to prove himself in training and deliver in upcoming games to regain the trust of his manager who won't be pleased, particularly as Boro dropped two points in a game he could've flourished in.

What do you think Boro fans? Was Monk right to leave Traore out? Let us know in the comments below.