Middlesbrough pre-season gets underway as players report back

The squad underwent a series of tests in the gym and on the pitch as their summer programme and preparations for the coming Championship season got underway.

Not all of Michael Carrick's players were involved, with Anfernee Dijksteel, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Finn Azaz, and Seny Dieng given an extra week off after international duty. Here's what we spotted in the club's day one gallery:

PROMISING FITNESS SIGNS

There were promising signs on the fitness front, with Tommy Smith, Darragh Lenihan, Riley McGree, Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney all pictured with their Boro teammates.

It's not clear at this stage whether Smith is ready to get back on the grass but the right-back previously said he wanted to be back in and around the squad for the start of pre-season and he's clearly hit that target.

Smith hasn't played since October last year but will be itching to get back and fight for his place in the team. As an experienced leader, his return will be crucial off the pitch as well.

Kieran Scott recently said Lenihan has been "good for a while" but Boro were reluctant to rush him back, while Carrick was confident last term the likes of Hackney, Fry, Marcus Forss and Josh Coburn would be fit for the summer.

Tom Glover was also pictured after the Aussie keeper underwent minor surgery at the back end of last season on a finger injury.

NEW FACES

Delano Burgzorg met his new teammates for the first time after completing his move from Mainz earlier this month, while Luke Ayling reported back after making his loan move permanent.

They'll soon be joined by Aidan Morris, who is due on Teesside in the coming days to finalise his switch from Columbus Crew.

There was the return of another familiar face, with John Thrower back at work at Rockliffe two-and-a-half years after leaving Boro for Tottenham, where he was the first team strength and conditioning coach.

The Teessider returned to Boro last week and will play a key role in Michael Carrick's support team in the coming campaign.

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DAN BARLASER

The arrival of Aidan Morris will bolster a strong midfield department, with Hayden Hackney having reported back fully fit for the start of pre-season and Jonny Howson showing last term that he's as influential as ever.

Dan Barlaser is also currently in that mix. Despite reports suggesting Trabzonspor are interested in the former Rotherham midfielder, Boro haven't been yet contacted by the Turkish outfit and no bids have been submitted.

That's not to say that one won't land at Boro's door and it's not clear at this stage how the situation will play out this summer.

But Barlaser reported back for the start of pre-season as planned yesterday.

Barlaser has never managed to firmly establish himself in the side since his arrival in January last year.

But while he's a Boro player, the former Newcastle youngster will be determined to force his way up the pecking order and play his part.

CONTRACT HINT

Jamie Jones reported back yesterday in what was another strong indicator that the experienced keeper is set to extend his stay at Boro.

Jones' previous deal expired this summer but Boro announced when releasing their retained list that the 35-year-old was remaining at Rockliffe to receive treatment on a shoulder injury "with a view to extending his stay".

A new deal for Jones would be a boost for Boro and ease a potential headache for Carrick. For all Boro are extremely well stocked between the posts, Jones is the only obvious candidate for the the role of third choice keeper.

Seny Dieng is set to be No.1 next term, with Glover, Sol Brynn and Zach Hemming battling for the role of deputy. Glover was linked with a move away at the end of last season. Both Brynn and Hemming shone out on loan last term, and Brynn is understood to have impressed when he returned to Boro at the end of April after the conclusion of the League One campaign

YOUNGSTERS INVOLVED

It was no surprise to see several academy players reporting back with the first team yesterday.

Law McCabe was involved on the back of his breakthrough campaign, while Luke Woolston and Sonny Finch were also pictured.

Finch will be hoping to kick on this term. He's highly rated by Carrick and was regularly involved in the 2022/23 season before suffering an injury. He made an impact on his return to fitness last term, impressing and scoring regularly for the Under-21s.