Aitor Karanka insists he never had any doubts that Tomas Mejias would prove to be a top class keeper.
The Boro boss was forced to leave his compatriot out of the starting line-up after he made a shaky start to the season back in August.
That opened the door for Dimi Konstantopoulos, who has started 26 consecutive Championship fixtures.
However, the Greek goalie was sent off at Birmingham on Wednesday and is suspended for tomorrow’s Yorkshire derby against Leeds.
Former Real Madrid keeper Mejias, who has played outstandingly well in three FA Cup ties this year, is expected to start in place of Konstantopoulos.
Tomas Mejias in action against Arsenal
“It’s a big opportunity for him,” said Karanka. “In the past a lot of people had doubts about him but I never had doubts about him.
“Three or four months ago everybody was a little bit concerned because Jason Steele was out and Tomas was here and now, after the games that Tomas has played, everybody is calm and confident because he has shown he is a very good keeper.”
Karanka says Konstantopoulos is still his first choice but only as long as he continues to produce the goods.
“People can’t assume that Dimi is going to be my keeper for the rest of the season," he said.
"Goalkeeper is like every other position as far as I’m concerned and if the keeper who is playing is not in good form then I have another keeper but I am very happy with all of them, not just Dimi and Tomas but also Connor Ripley so things are very good.
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