Justin Hoyte may end up leaving the Riverside before the end of the month – but that’s not the reason he didn’t feature against Blackpool on Saturday.
Amid rumours that the 28-year-old full-back’s departure to Millwall was imminent, Boro boss Tony Mowbray revealed why the former Arsenal defender was not in the squad to face the Seasiders.
“No club has phoned me about him. He went to the Gold Cup in the summer and hasn’t done pre-season training.
"He is behind the others fitness-wise and that is why he wasn’t involved,” Mowbray told the Gazette.
“So don’t look too deeply into it. Frazer Richardson and Stuart Parnaby are ahead of him at the moment.”
Richardson made his home debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, and looked solid. Parnaby was an unused substitute.
Trinidad and Tobago international Hoyte joined Boro five years ago.
He decided to stay at the club, rather than return to his native London, when he had the opportunity last year.
The defender picked up an injury when on international duty this summer, so is down the pecking order for Boro.
Though the arrival of Richardson suggests that Hoyte could be deemed surplus to requirements.
However, he did play against Accrington in the Capital One Cup.
With further incomings expected before the transfer window closes, outgoings could also be on the cards.