According to Middlesbrough's official website, both Rudy Gestede and Ashley Fletcher earned some good minutes for the club's U23 team.

The men from the Riverside Stadium were on the wrong end of a reversal against Derby County at the weekend and will be looking to sort that out as soon as they can.

Whether or not Fletcher or Gestede play a part in that for their next game, though, remains to be seen but it does appear at least that the club is going to be able to call on them before too long.

Gestede, of course, has been out injured for some time this season but played a full ninety minutes as the young Boro side faced Southampton in a 3-3 draw.

Fletcher, meanwhile, played most of the game himself as he chalked up 75 minutes and now both will be pushing to get themselves back into the first side.

Whether or not they can, though, remains to be seen with Boro possessing some very good attacking options in their squad.

However, with Boro struggling in their last few games overall, it could be time for Garry Monk to mix things up a little.

Time, of course, will tell.

The Verdict

It's always better to have too many options than not enough and so to have the pair available is good for Boro.

Neither are really first team starters at the moment but competition for places is always good and they'll be looking to get themselves into the side before too long.

Thoughts, Boro fans? Let us know below!