Edwards to ensure break is put to good attacking use

ROB Edwards is hoping extra time on the training pitches over the next fortnight can help Middlesbrough’s attack find their spark - but insists he can’t let that be the sole focus of the international break.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Boro’s misfiring forward line proved costly on Saturday at Portsmouth as they lost for the first time in the league this season.

The defeat, in which Boro managed only one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes, saw Edwards’ slip off the top of the Championship table.

Now, Boro head into a two-week break before hosting Ipswich Town on Friday, October 17. And while four players are away on international duty - Aidan Morris, Sverre Nypan, Sontje Hansen and David Strelec - the vast majority of their squad will be on Teesside when training resumes later in the week.

Speaking about Boro’s attacking struggles after the defeat at Pompey, Edwards said: "I think it’s pretty clear for us.

"We're doing a lot of good stuff, we just need to now be able to turn some of that control or possession into more shots. It’s getting that last bit right.

"We want to make sure we have the right balance between being strong defensively, which we are and have been, but then also carrying a real threat at the other end.