Tommy Conway-return inspired factor that needs to start helping Middlesbrough's attack more
Though it didn't help Middlesbrough get the result they needed, Tommy Conway's return to action was one positive to emerge from Saturday.
From the moment teams were announced an hour before Boro's frustrating 2-0 defeat to Bristol City, one thing stood out: The strength of Boro's bench.
With Sol Brynn as deputy goalkeeper and Matt Clarke and Anfernee Dijksteel as defensive options, Michael Carrick also had Dan Barlaser, Isaiah Jones, Delano Burgzorg, Riley McGree, Marcus Forss and Conway to turn to if needed. In the end, he did turn to the latter five to try and find a route back into the game, alas to no avail.
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In truth, that's been another frustrating element of Boro's indifferent start to the season - the lack of impact from the bench. While Boro have not yet had a bench look quite as strong, Carrick's always had good options this season without any major impact in games.
Despite early hope that it could be a good factor for Boro this season, the only time it's actually been mentioned after a game was at West Brom, where Carrick praised Jones, Burgzorg and George McCormick for the defensive work they did to help see out a 1-0 win.
Asked about Conway's return and the strength of his bench, Carrick said: "The squad is looking stronger. We tried to get more forwards on the pitch to mix it up and create something, but it didn’t quite happen. But to get Tommy back on the pitch, Marcus [Forss] too - even though he needs a bit more football - we have players throughout the squad to score goals.
"We will score goals. We have the options. We need something to show for it. There is no point in me saying everything will be alright; we need to prove everything will be alright. We need to start getting rewards from it."
To think, Carrick's options will get stronger too. Dael Fry and Jonny Howson are back in training and are pushing for returns. Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Lukas Engel and Alex Gilbert are to return from injury (Alex Bangura is not currently registered due to the length of his injury), plus youngsters Law McCabe and McCormick, who are regularly involved with the first team. Providing they avoid any major injury problems down the line, picking his starting XI isn't going to be the only dilemma Carrick has.
It's something he has to start making better use of, though, while the players themselves have to step up and make bigger impacts. If not starting a game, your time on the pitch from the bench is ultimately your time to shine and prove why you should be starting. Morgan Rogers is a fine example of nailing that role and getting his just rewards last season.
In an ideal world, Boro wouldn't need their bench to flip games as much as they ultimately have this season. Nevertheless, having a bench of that strength should be an asset, but it's one Boro are yet to use effectively.