Aitor Karanka: 'It's good for us that Ken will be available in January and February'

Nigeria’s loss is Boro’s gain as Aitor Karanka admits Kenneth Omeruo’s availability during January and February is a huge boost for the club.

Boro faced the prospect of tackling such a vital stage of the season without a key member of the first team squad had Nigeria qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

But the tournament’s defending champions came up short in qualifying, only drawing 2-2 with South Africa last night when they needed a win to book a place at the finals.

Karanka admits Boro’s on-loan defender will be disappointed to miss out on such a major competition but admitted it was a welcome boost for the club going into the Christmas period.

Kenneth Omeruo

"It’s good for us that Ken will be available in January and February," he told the club’s website.

"I think about my team and the club, and thinking selfishly is good for me and the club.

"Ken will be disappointed because it’s important for players to be involved in these kind of major tournaments, but I’m sure he’s going to be happy being here because the team is playing really well and he’s the kind of player who likes to be involved with the team."

As reported on GazetteLive, Karanka confirmed Omeruo is likely to miss out on Boro’s trip to Wigan this Saturday after a long trip back from Africa.

But Ben Gibson has recovered from a knock picked up on international duty and is expected to be fit to start.