According to The Hartlepool Mail, Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has provided an explanation as to why Martin Braithwaite did not feature against Brentford at the weekend.
The Welshman said that 19-year-old Marcus Tavernier had more pace and energy than the Denmark international, particularly given the fact that he had just represented his nation twice in the past week, scoring in the victory against Wales.
However, while Pulis may be quick to suggest that Braithwaite still has a future at Boro, there is more and more evidence to suggest that his time may be drawing near an end. Not only is Tavernier a natural winger, while the Dane is primarily a striker, but the emergence of Jordan Hugill at The Riverside means that the 28-cap international may struggle to find game time under Pulis, especially as he was already behind Britt Assombalonga in the pecking order. Braithwaite has been forced to play out wide this season due to the early season form of the Congolese striker, however, if a player that is more naturally suited to the wing is emerging in Tavernier, it would seem daft not to pick him.
Given the additional factors that Braithwaite did not hide his interest in leaving the club in the summer, and the fact that Boro are seeking forwards to buy in the January transfer window, the cards appear to be on the table for Braithwaite.
After what happened with Braithwaite in the summer, Pulis may have always known that he would be on the move in January, and is now preparing for the future.
