Karanka has been impressed by the keeper's strength of character and the way he's forced himself into the first team reckoning
Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Dimi Konstantopoulos will retain his place in Boro’s line-up for tonight’s Championship clash with Huddersfield Town.
There was speculation that the Greek goalkeeper would be dropped as a result of his role in QPR’s all-important second goal at the weekend.
He attempted to kick downfield a Kenneth Omeruo backpass but missed the ball completely due to a bobble, allowing Bobby Zamora to nip in and put the visitors in front four minutes into second half stoppage time.
It has since been confirmed that the ball was diverted off its path by a discarded bottle top.
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Asked if Konstantopoulos would start against Huddersfield tonight at the John Smith’s Stadium, Karanka said: “Yes, because he is an experienced goalkeeper.
“The ball hit a bottle top and Dimi was unlucky.
“The bottle top was there and we lost the game, it’s difficult to take but we need to forget what happened.”
The Boro boss says he’s been impressed by the keeper’s strength of character and the way he’s forced himself into the first team reckoning.
“He won the right to play and he’s played very well over the last four games and I am very happy with his performances,” he said.
“I know he’s got a good character because when I came here he was the fourth keeper and now he’s the first choice.
“Normally, the one who is the fourth keeper will always be the fourth keeper but he is now the first one and that shows he is strong.
“I am very happy with his performances since I arrived here and I want him to keep working in the same way.”
Boro go into tonight’s game looking for a first away goal and win since their victory at Blackpool on January 11.
Karanka is set to name the same 18-man matchday squad for the second game in succession providing Kei Kamara is passed fit.
The Sierra Leone international took a hefty kick on the leg during the QPR game.
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