A FLURRY of injuries forced Middlesbrough's hand in the transfer market and prompted the late move for George Edmundson, but Kieran Scott says the Ipswich defender is more than just cover and could have a longer-term future at the Riverside.

With Darragh Lenihan and Dael Fry both sidelined and Rav van den Berg missing a couple of league games before the international break, Boro decided they needed to strengthen at the back and Edmundson arrived on deadline day on a season-long loan switch from the Tractor Boys.

The 27-year-old's future is uncertain having moved into the final year of his contract with Ipswich and he'll be desperate to impress at the Riverside, where he'll get the chance to earn a longer-term deal.

Scott, head of football at the Riverside, believes Edmundson can be a "future asset" for Boro and says the club are in a "good position" in terms of the loan agreement.

Edmundson was joined through the door by exciting Liverpool winger Ben Doak on deadline day, and Scott believes the final two arrivals in what was an impressive summer window can both turn out to be crucial signings.

"Two totally different positions but as important as each other," he said.

"Ben at Liverpool is an exciting player, he'll get bums off seats. He's direct, quick and he will be a good addition for us.

"But George as well, coming in to help us at the minute navigate a centre-back issue. But we see a future in George as well. We think he's someone who can be a future asset. We're in a good position on that loan. We'll see how he settles down. I'm sure he'll be playing soon.

"But both were as important as each other and it was a good way to finish the day."

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Edmundson wasn't short of options in the final days of the window, with Portsmouth, Blackburn and Hull all linked with the former Rangers man.

As for Doak, he was very much in-demand but opted for Boro, as was the case with striker Tommy Conway earlier in the summer.

Scott said: "He (Doak) like quite a few of our signings this summer was a wanted boy.

"We've all seen what he's got when he's played for Liverpool. But we sold what we do, again referring back to Michael (Carrick) and the pull Michael has.

"I think Ben could see it was a good place for him. We'll let him do what he does and enjoy himself. The size of the club and what we're trying to do, he wanted to be part of it and we welcome him here."