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Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray has said the return of keeper Jason Steele from Olympic duty with Great Britain is a boost to his squad.

The 21-year-old was called into Stuart Pearce's squad but did not make an appearance at the games, despite featuring in a warm-up against Brazil.

"It was good to have Jason back," Mowbray told 91Èȱ¬ Tees.

"He's a good footballer and we need good players to help us win football matches so we're glad he's back."

Steele was one of the first-team players handed a start despite a decision to rest key members of the squad in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat by Scunthorpe.

Justin Hoyte was the only one of the club's summer signings named in the squad, while academy products Cameron Park and Luke Williams started.

"The season is there in front of them, it's down to them really," Mowbray added.

"If their talent propels them into the forefront of my mind, then it's down to them, that's what football is.

"Performances get you chances in the team and if they can perform then they will very much be part of our squad.

"Tonight was always about who needed extra game time and who needs to work extra hard.

"The ones who were left at home were generally the ones that have played a lot and didn't need a game."