Tony Pulis has confirmed he's likely to make changes for his side's League Cup clash against Notts County tonight, after his side's three games in the opening week of the season.

Boro kicked off their season with a draw, but have since beaten Sheffield United and Birmingham, completing three games in ten days and Pulis is keen to use his squad to it's fullest in this evening's cup tie at the Riverside.

“I think we’ve got some very good young players here and it will be nice for them," Pulis told Teeside Live. "I think the supporters will understand that the squad’s not massive and we’ll be making lots of changes for the Notts County game."

As well as younger players, Pulis also has senior professionals who haven't had a chance as yet and they too might get a look in this evening.

“The lads look fit, but we might have to make a few changes and there’s lots of youngsters pushing for places, and there’s people on the bench who will be given the opportunity and the chance to see what they’re made of.”

Paddy McNair, Ashley Fletcher, Grant Leadbitter and Marvin Johnson are amongst the players who might get a run out against Kevin Nolan's side.

McNair has been nursed back to fitness since his summer move from Middlesbrough, whilst Johnson is currently being linked with a move to Sheffield United.

The Verdict

There's little surprise in a Championship team fielding a weakened side against a League Two side, but these days the smaller clubs often give fringe players a run out too.

The season starts at a phenomenal pace, with matches Tuesday and Saturday, so all clubs must use their squad wisely. It makes these early games very tough to call.