Michael Carrick explains Sol Brynn selection decision as big Middlesbrough call pays off

Michael Carrick said it just felt like the right decision to bring Sol Brynn back into the team as he praised the Middlesbrough goalkeeper for his contributions in the victory over Millwall.

Brynn was out of the side against Burnley and Leeds United as Seny Dieng returned after missing three games through illness. But after conceding questionable goals in both of those games, Carrick made a surprise decision to switch his keepers.

Brynn came back in for his fourth league start and it proved an inspired decision. In keeping his first Championship clean sheet, the Boro academy graduate had to make two massive saves in the opening 30 minutes of the game, before managing a tricky second half well in the way in which he commanded his box so well.

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Asked about his decision after, Carrick said: “We just felt today that was the right decision to make and I thought Sol did well. He made those two saves, and they were big, important saves, especially at that time. He then commanded his box well, coming and taking crosses, and he had a really good presence for us.

“He played the three games not so long ago, and played really well so we know he’s a good player. We’re fortunate to be in a position where we can make that decision. We’ve got options to make that decision, and I thought he did really well.”

As Carrick’s big selection call proved justified, it will be interesting to see how the goalkeeper situation looks going forward. Dieng will no doubt push hard to quickly regain his place in the team, but as it stands, it would appear that Brynn has earned the right to be starting.