RILEY McGree has offered an exciting taste of what might be to come at Middlesbrough this season after revealing he feels "fit, strong and healthy" on the back of what was a troubled and "very frustrating" last campaign for the midfielder.

McGree started just 14 and only featured in 22 of Boro's 46 Championship games last season, with the 25-year-old sidelined by two separate injury setbacks.

But he's now put those problems behind him and is back in full training as Boro prepare for their first friendly of the summer against Vitoria SC in Portugal this weekend.

There remains uncertainty over McGree's future, with the former Birmingham City midfielder entering the final 12 months of his current deal on Teesside. Negotiations are ongoing with Boro keen to keep the midfielder providing a deal can be agreed within the club's wage structure.

McGree has previously told of his "love" for the club and the fans. And he's itching for the coming Championship season, even more so after his own struggles last term.

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“Absolutely, on a personal level last season was very frustrating," said McGree from Boro's training camp in Portugal.

"I learned a lot about myself on and off the pitch. But now it’s good being back on the pitch feeling fit, strong, healthy and being able to be myself again.

"It’s been a bit of a stop-start summer. I’ve been working pretty much all summer. I went home for a bit to Oz and I was working while over there with some guys out there.

"I then came back here earlier than the rest of the lads to continue my work and my rehab to set myself up as best as I can for the season coming."

Boro have stepped up their preparations for the coming season in Portugal this week and McGree says there are two main benefits to come from the training trip.

"The boys are all working hard in the weather conditions," he said.

"It’s helping us get fitter and build on connections in the team. Personally, I think they are the two big things to take from a trip like this. Obviously there are a couple of new faces around the group so, both on and off the pitch, it’s good to build relationships.

"Then there’s the physical, technical and tactical aspects of training that we’re trying to achieve. It’s an extremely positive mood in the group. There’s a real unity and feeling that everyone is working in the same direction to achieve the same goals this season."

Saturday's game against Vitoria will be played behind closed doors, with the first domestic friendly of the summer taking place next Saturday when Boro face Bolton at Bishop Auckland.

 “It’s similar to the training in general really, you’re looking to build those connections with the new players and also the physical aspects such as match fitness and also the tactical and technical elements that the coaches are trying to implement," said McGree, previewing the pre-season opener.

"It’s a case of taking it all in and then trying to put it together out there on the pitch. The games will come thick and fast as a player it’s what you live for. Bring it on.”