Boro transfer truth laid bare at Celtic but friendly draw useful in other ways

True, Boro were down a number of players in their 1-1 draw in Glasgow. Illness has ravaged their squad ahead of the game, while a few others are still rehabilitating from injuries suffered at the end of last season.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that Boro’s squad, even with the absentees factored in, is still a long way from being ready for a promotion push in the upcoming season, with much work still do to if they are to provide Kim Hellberg with the tools to go one better next term.

In general, the absentees showed the importance of adding depth in a number of areas. Midfield is a particular priority, with at least two needed. Myles Peart-Harris looked comfortable in the role despite playing more as a forward in recent years.

But once again tasked with playing in midfield, Adilson Malanda once again looked far from comfortable playing the role. In particular, it’s his lack of assurance in possession when offered less time in midfield that makes him look unsuited to the role.

In defence and in goal, more depth is needed too but, if the Celtic friendly did anything above all else, it just reemphasised why the attack has to be the main priority this summer.

Starting with Morgan Whittaker, Leo Castledine, Jeremy Sarmiento and David Strelec in attack, it all just had the feel of last season at Celtic Park.

Boro enjoyed plenty of possession and control of the game in general, but when it came to quality in the final third, Boro ultimately lacked a cutting edge - just as they did for most of the second half of last season.

Peart-Harris and Kyle Joseph have both arrived to add something a bit different to Boro’s attack. But with Hellberg suggesting he’ll continue to use Tommy Conway from the left next term, a competent striker to challenge Strelec is needed.

Boro could do with more wingers too, with Whittaker inconsistent and Sarmiento and Sontje Hansen yet to really offer much to be excited about.

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Progress has been slower than might have been hoped this summer on the recruitment front. But Boro know the need for reinforcements and also know the targets they want. Patience to get the deals completed is needed.

That’s the assuring aspect because the lack of incomings so far is not because Boro have no desire to strengthen their squad. From the horse’s mouth this week, Steve Gibson assured he knew the squad wasn’t yet ready for the new season.

And with a nice chunk of extra cash on its way to Boro as Morgan Rogers nears a move to Chelsea in a £117m deal. Boro are due 20% of that fee, thanks to a cleverly negotiated sell-on fee clause.

Boro only have two public-facing friendlies this summer. With that in mind, it would have been far better from our prospective to see a far more complete squad as we look for hints at how things might change for next season after Hellberg’s promises for big changes ahead.

Nevertheless, the friendly was useful in other ways. While Strelec still looked like a player not really connected with his team-mates - who still don’t seem to know how to get the best out of him - he took his goal very well. He now has three goals in two games this summer, which can’t hurt.

It was also a chance for Hellberg to assess squad players as he continues to shape his squad for the new season. Jack Daley certainly caught the eye at centre-back, while Peart-Harris showed he can do a job as a midfielder as well as a forward next term.

In truth, the performances shouldn’t be judged too harshly given the stage of pre-season and the building of match fitness and sharpness, but the game will have undoubtedly given Hellberg a chance to assess players like Neto Borges, Abdoulaye Kante, Law McCabe, Leo Castledine, Jeremy Sarmiento, Delano Burgzorg and Kaly Sene, as he plots who will be part of the journey next term and who will not.

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

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