MIDDLESBROUGH are practicing for the first time in Portugal this morning, with a 27-man squad travelling for the pre-season camp.
Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney, who competed in the European Under-21 Championships, were granted an extended holiday before reporting back.
Van den Berg was the subject of fresh transfer speculation over the weekend, with Brentford reportedly interested in the defender. Van den Berg is also of interest to Crystal Palace, who are keeping a close eye on Hackney’s position this summer.
There are no significant senior absentees in the current team, but Jonny Howson’s future is uncertain as his contract expired at the end of last month.
Boro completed their first full week of pre-season training at Rockliffe, but will now ramp up their preparations for the upcoming season with a week-long camp in Portugal, culminating in a training match against unspecified opponents on Saturday.
Rob Edwards, the new head coach, has selected a roster of 27 for the tour, including senior players Darragh Lenihan, Alex Bangura, and Sol Brynn who have returned from long-term injuries. The three is all fit, which is a huge advantage for Edwards.
Riley McGree’s availability is also uncertain, having endured a disappointing campaign of injury setbacks last season but is now desperate to return to his best following two injury-plagued seasons.
Seny Dieng resumed light training last week following his devastating Achilles injury, but he is not yet ready to join the squad.
Alex Gilbert, Sammy Silvera, and Micah Hamilton, who were all on loan at the conclusion of last season, are all in the squad, while Edwards considers his choices. The head coach stated at his unveiling that he wants to give every player an opportunity.
A number of young players who impressed Edwards at Rockliffe last week are also among the travelling group. Goalkeeper Shea Connor, left back George McCormick, midfielders Law McCabe and Luke Woolston, and forward Sonny Finch were all chosen to travel. Brayden Johnson, a teenager who joined from Eastbourne Borough in January, was also present.
The midfielder has impressed since his arrival six months ago, having spent the end of last season on loan at Gateshead in the National League.
Brayden Johnson, a teenager who joined from Eastbourne Borough in January, was also present. The midfielder has impressed since his arrival six months ago, having spent the end of last season on loan at Gateshead in the National League.
Both McCabe and Finch have been in the first team for a few years and will be hoping to put frustrating seasons behind them. McCabe did not play a single Championship minute last season, and Finch’s loan move to MK Dons did not proceed as planned. He returned to Rockliffe in January, but was unable to join another club in the second half of the season after appearing for Boro in the early stages of the Carabao Cup.
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