Challenge been set for Hamilton to step up

ROB Edwards says he’s challenged Micah Hamilton to step up at Middlesbrough after leaving him out of the first match-day squad.

- By CRAIG JOHNS Football writer

Hamilton joined Boro from Manchester City last summer. It was seen as a big deal for the club at the time, with Hamilton having previously made first-team appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, including a Champions League debut which he marked with a goal.

But the 21-year-old has so far struggled on Teesside and spent the second half of last season on loan at Stockport where he also struggled for game-time.

The latest blow for the young forward came at the weekend when he failed to make the bench for the Swansea City win, with academy prospect Sonny Finch named ahead of him.