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Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg explains and defends decision to rest Will Lankshear

Kim Hellberg explained and defended his decision to rest Will Lankshear against Cardiff City

By Dominic Shaw · The Northern Echo

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 3:08 PM

Key Things to Know

Kim Hellberg defended resting top scorer Will Lankshear against Cardiff City despite trailing early.
Lankshear came off the bench at halftime and scored the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw.
Tommy Conway scored Middlesbrough's other goal to help overturn the two-goal halftime deficit.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg defended his choice to bench top scorer Will Lankshear for the first time this season during a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. Middlesbrough trailed 2-0 at halftime before Lankshear and Sebastian Berhalter came on as substitutes. Tommy Conway scored to reduce the deficit before Lankshear secured the equalizer to extend the team's unbeaten run to nine matches.

Hellberg stated that Lankshear needed protection and fresh legs to press Cardiff, adding that the striker understood the decision. While Hellberg admitted he should have rotated other players, he insisted leaving Lankshear out was correct to maintain squad depth over the Championship campaign.

Read the full article on The Northern Echo

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg explains and defends decision to rest Will Lankshear

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