Howson Praises Middlesbrough Goalkeeper Sol Brynn, Predicting a Promising Career

Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson has commended goalkeeper Sol Brynn, stating his belief that Brynn is destined to “go a long way in the game.” Brynn started in place of the regular first-choice goalkeeper, Seny Dieng, in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Millwall, securing his inaugural Championship clean sheet for the team. The 24-year-old goalkeeper was instrumental in the win, making two crucial one-on-one saves against Macaulay Langstaff and Femi Azeez during the first half. Howson, a Boro player since 2017, expressed that he is “a massive fan” of Brynn. The experienced 36-year-old informed BBC Radio Tees, “He’s someone that I’ve been aware of. I think he’s got two player of the season awards at previous clubs, so I always look at that.” Howson continued, “That is some going for a young goalkeeper, so he’s got something about him. I’ve been impressed with him in training.” Last season, Brynn was on loan at Leyton Orient, where he was recognized as the supporters’ club away player of the year, having made 42 League One appearances and achieved 13 clean sheets. In the campaign prior, during his loan spell at Swindon Town, he finished a close second to Frazer Blake-Tracy for player of the season, participating in every League Two match and accumulating 13 shutouts. Brynn, a product of Boro’s youth academy, made his Championship debut in a 6-2 victory at Oxford. He also featured in a 1-0 home loss to Blackburn and a 3-1 win against Hull City last month, when Dieng was sidelined due to an injury. However, Saturday’s match against the Lions marked Brynn’s initial start over Dieng, as the Senegal international was moved to the bench. Howson further stated, “In football, sometimes you might get half a chance for whatever reason and you’ve got to be able to take them. I think he’s done terrifically for the games that he’s played. If he carries on going the way he’s going with, let’s be honest a fair few young lads we’ve got here, they’ll have very bright futures in the game.” He concluded, “If they keep that focus and keep doing what they’re doing, they’ll go a long way in the game.” Boro head coach Michael Carrick also expressed satisfaction with Brynn, noting that the goalkeeper made “two big saves in the first half early on.” Carrick explained his decision to select Brynn over Dieng to BBC Radio Tees, stating, “We’re in a position where we’ve got those decisions to make.” He continued, “We’ve got good players and we change things around at times. Sol played three games and did ever so well and we just felt that was the decision to be made.” Carrick added, “He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s done well in the three games he’s played and it was a good step for him.”