Boro's behind-closed-doors friendly opponent revealed after Celtic draw

Boro have so far drawn 2-2 with Portuguese second tier side SC Farense to wrap-up their week-long training camp in the Algarve.

They then drew 1-1 on Saturday with Celtic in Glasgow, in what was a useful run out in front of supporters, albeit with a depleted squad thanks to illness and injury.

That leaves Boro three weeks from their season opener against Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup. However, the plan has always been to use that game as a final dress rehearsal for when it really matters a week later against Lincoln City in the Championship curtain-raiser.

Before that, Boro’s only other public-facing friendly is scheduled for August 1 when Spanish top tier side Espanyol - with Kike Garcia in tow - visit the Riverside.

It was always expected Boro would play at least one more behind-closed-doors game though, and speaking after the Celtic draw, Hellberg confirmed such plans.

He revealed: “On Saturday we play Huddersfield on the training ground, then we have Espanyol, then we have the Carabao Cup. Then it's Lincoln.

“It's one month until Lincoln. One month to keep improving and keep getting better. We're looking forward to that.”

While Boro will play the League One side in a private training session, Hellberg was delighted to be back in front of supporters at Celtic Park.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page

Over 5,000 Boro fans made the trip north of the border and, with many Celtic supporters protesting over concerns with their club’s current direction, came close to outnumbering the hosts.

Hellberg could be seen at full-time joining in with the chants as he and the Boro players showed their appreciation to the travelling army at full-time. Looking refreshed after his break in the aftermath of a difficult and dramatic end to last term, Hellberg could not hide his delight to be back with the Boro fans.

“It's almost weird to come to a friendly and see red and white everywhere,” he said. “It's just amazing to see them again. I've missed them.

“The game in Portugal was behind closed doors but then I come here and get that feeling again of how beautiful it is to be part of Middlesbrough Football Club and I'm looking forward to the next one.”

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.