Kenyan defender George Gitau has been included in Middlesbrough’s first team pre-season squad ahead of the 2023/2024 English Football League (EFL) Championship season that starts on 5 August.The Harambee Stars prospect, who plays in the right-back position, will be hoping to impress coach Michael Carrick in order to earn a place in the senior team next season.The 19-year old was part of the Boro U21 team setup last season and back in January this year, was named on the Middlesbrough bench in their 1-5 thumping at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup.George Gitau plays for Middlesbrough U21 team.He’s a Right-back/Central Defender. He was born in Kenya. pic.twitter.com/EYSsAJ3cFz— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) December 12, 2022 Carrick took the opportunity to look at several youngsters in last weekend’s friendly double header, with the likes of Gitau, Jeremy Sivi and summer arrival Terrell Agyemang playing at Hartlepool and several others involved at York the day later, with Ajay Matthews and Jack Stott featuring in both games.“We’ve got to give them a chance, that’s why they’re at the club. Some will take the chance and some might not, but there is no point in me talking about it all season and then not giving them a chance,” said Carrick of his young players as quoted on the Northern Echo.##NAJAVA_MECA_7377649##”It’s what the club’s academy is there for and why everyone works so hard in the academy. The aim and hard work is to get the boys to a level where they can take the next step. Quite a few have had that experience this summer, which is great for them.”Obviously we learn a lot from that as well and we assess who’s done well, and who we might look to develop and make part of the squad moving forward. We always have them train with us a lot anyway, so that doesn’t change,” he added.How AFC Leopards got slapped with 20 million fine, three window transfer ban over Aussems contract sagaThe right-back joined Boro in 2020 after previous spells with Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Brighton.George was a regular for Boro’s Under-18s in the 2020/21 season, and featured in their Under-17s’ run to the Premier League Cup final.He has also made eight appearances with the Under-23s in the PL2, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.Monaco DL: Faith Kipyegon chasing third consecutive WR as history beckons for Omanyala
