Josh Coburn absence explained as Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder outlines Bristol Rovers hopes

Bristol Rovers supporters will have to wait a little bit longer before seeing summer loan signing Josh Colburn in action for the Gas.

Middlesbrough agreed a deal to let the promising 19-year old move to the Memorial Stadium on Deadline Day but have kept hold of him until he is fully recovered from an injury he sustained in their opening game of the season.

Coburn had been set to feature for Boro’s Under 21 side on Friday night but ended up missing the fixture with Newcastle United due to a technicality.

He has still not joined up with the Rovers squad but is now expected to play some part in Tuesday night’s EFL Cup fixture with Crystal Palace Under 21s.

Speaking to Teeside Live, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder said: “It’s an important season for him. He’s a young boy breaking into the team.

“Ultimately, he comes back to us after being under decent coaching from Joey (Barton) and the coaching staff there, playing some games there and experiencing regular first-team football.

“He’s got to get in their team first and then he hopefully comes back to us being a better player.

“He’s worked hard and is looking forward to him progressing and kicking his career on.”

Supporters may have thought that missing the Boro Under 21 game on Friday night meant that he would be playing for Rovers against Exeter City on Saturday but Bristol Live confirmed his absence from the youth game was due to a “technicality” and the 19-year old was not named in the Gas squad for their league match.

Many Middlesbrough fans were surprised to see Coburn leave the club in the transfer window after the teenager impressed last season with five goals in 22 games across all competitions.

However, Wilder clearly believes the promising forward will gain far more regular game time in League One in a deal that could prove beneficial for all parties concerned.

Rovers boss Joey Barton previously commented on the player, saying : “What people are missing is he will be a real player for us.

“He is a proper player, so he’ll come in and it will be like getting a new signing a month after the window has closed.”