Edwards’ bold moves on the touchline were a key feature of last weekend’s 3-0 win at Millwall, with the Boro boss bringing on Sontje Hansen at half-time for Abdoulaye Kante and watching as the Dutch replacement went on to set up the opening goal for Hayden Hackney.
Edwards’ next two changes – Finn Azaz replacing Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg coming on for Tommy Conway – came with more than 20 minutes remaining, and also paid dividends, with Burgzorg rounding off the scoring at the Den.
“I’m happy to change it a bit earlier if it’s going to give us fresh impetus and a different type of quality,” said the Boro boss, whose side return to action at Carrow Road on Saturday as they take on Norwich City. “TC and Morgan will have been a bit frustrated to come off a bit earlier, but when we’ve got that there with us, we have to use it.
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“It was a nice moment for Finn – one appearance, one assist. I was pleased him and Della linked up for the third goal. They were both really good when they came on, having a positive impact. That’s what we want from the squad.
“Finn is a different player to Morgan, Della is a different player to TC. But they were what we needed in those moments.”
Their performances have given Edwards something of a selection headache ahead of the weekend trip to Norfolk, and the Boro boss will also have to decide whether to hand Hansen a first start.
The 23-year-old only completed his move from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen last week, but there were no signs of hesitancy as he made an instant impression against Millwall.
“He’s [Hansen] a good player,” said Edwards. “He’s an exciting footballer and it’s nice he’s made a big impact.”
