Smalling really seems to have upped his game and developed substantially I would have said, over the past year or so. I used to wonder how he ever got near the England team, but now he seems a much more accomplished defender.
Morris recall makes sense for all parties we have players contracted who need to step up in case of injury/suspension to first choice pairing.
Middlesbrough were never going to be happy with him being a bit part role and although I may be in the minority I think Conor is more than
experienced enough and good enough to cover that role for a few games when needed,
Plus it frees up a wage to bring in some defensive cover.....all in all good for all parties
I suspect Mowbray has a loan lined up to cover Johnson, don't forget it was only a couple of weeks ago we were about to add Chris Eagles as well as Joe Cole to the squad and i recall TM saying the money is still there when it didn't happen. I suspect he had to reduce the loanee count and sorted something out with his contacts at Middlesbrough as he did last year when a similar thing happened with a Boro player and he then brought Grant Ward in.