Manager's conundrum - to sub or not to sub?

MICHAEL CARRICK has offered insight into his thinking behind substitutions amid criticism of his in-game management at Middlesbrough.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

It came under the microscope again after Saturday's defeat to Millwall. Not for the first time, the loss for Boro came as an opposition manager made changes to positively influence the game while Carrick didn't react until it was ultimately too late.

Discussing it immediately after the game, Carrick played down the influence of the Millwall changes and pointed out that Riley McGree and Marcus Forss were ready to come on as the Lions scored their all-important goal in a damaging 1-0 defeat for Boro.

Pressed further in his pre-match press conference ahead of Plymouth Argyle about substitutions and the factors he considers for them, he was open about the various factors he must consider that maybe don't make it as simple as it can often be made out.

Carrick explained:

"You make your subs based on the feel of the game.