Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has explained why he left David Wheater out of his team for Sunday's defeat against Manchester City.

Southgate insisted the time was right to give Wheater a break.

He said: "He has done really well for us, but he is a young player.

"There is a time to pull a player out and make sure his confidence is not affected.

"I thought a bit more experience would help us. I am very pleased with what he has done, but sometimes as a younger player, you need to have a look at things occasionally."