Middlesbrough will certainly be feeling the full force of uncertainty within the football world.

A statement from the EFL last week confirmed that all clubs in the Premier League, the EFL and the WSL have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until April 3rd.

This includes all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.

That means that the Teessiders face the prospect of three weeks without a match - a period which appears highly likely to be extended given the circumstances.

But while this is a period of frustration for most people involved in football, there will be members of the Middlesbrough squad who will see it as a big opportunity.

Let's take a look at the THREE Middlesbrough players who could benefit from the EFL fixture suspension.

Aynsley Pears

It's been a great 2020 for the young goalkeeper so far, but this is the ideal time for him to regroup and kick on.

Pears' form dropped a little bit in recent weeks and that led Dejan Stojanovic to take his place against Charlton Athletic - a game which saw him look very impressive.

With a break in the fixtures this is a perfect time for Pears to get his head down and prove to Jonathan Woodgate that he's ready to be recalled when matches get back up and running.

Daniel Ayala

The defender has missed much of 2020 through injury, but this could be the ideal time to get himself back to fitness ahead of the rest of the season.

Ayala is a massive player for Middlesbrough and so has been a big miss for Jonathan Woodgate's side.

Add into that the fact that he's out of contract this summer which means that getting himself up to speed will be key to what happens next for the defender.

Can you identify these Middlesbrough players based on their date of birth and birthplace? Have a go!

 

George Friend

He's missed much of the season through injury, and suffered another setback shortly after making his return last month.

Friend is out of contract in the summer and will be trying his hardest to earn another contract with Middlesbrough ahead of the new season.

If he can get himself fit it will give the experienced full-back chance to make a case to Jonathan Woodgate for why he deserves to stay, otherwise it could be a summer of uncertainty for the fans' favourite.