Curbishley criticises Southgate selection policy

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has agreed with criticism of Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate’s selection policy ahead of the sides’ crucial relegation clash on Saturday.

Southgate, in his first season of management at The Riverside, left out star players Mark Viduka and Jonathan Woodgate from Boro’s team against Hammers’ relegation rivals Manchester City two weeks ago to keep them fresh for an FA Cup quarter final replay at Manchester United 48 hours later – and lost both games.