Rest, recovery and it's then time to go again

MIDDLESBROUGH’S players have been given a few days off to rest before returning to training later in the week, where preparations will begin for Ipswich Town.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Boro have enjoyed a great start to the campaign and are exceeding preseason expectations while sitting second in the Championship.

But they headed into the break off the back of their first league defeat of the season, with the last three games offering plenty of food for thought for the Boro boss.

Rob Edwards is looking forward to getting his players back at Rockliffe where he'll have extended time on the training pitches to refine Boro’s play — particularly in attack, where his side have struggled of late. But with early injuries once again plaguing the squad, Edwards also values the importance of time off for the players who have exerted themselves to make the start a reality.

Edwards explained: “They'll get a few days off and then we'll get in towards the back end of the week.