Right time, right man, right result

HOW BORO PUSHED TO GET DEAL FOR ROVERS' BACK BRITTAIN OVER THE LINE

- By CRAIG JOHNS

WHEN Middlesbrough started planning for the summer transfer window, right-back was earmarked as a top priority. Having worked through their wish-list of potential options, Blackburn Rovers' Callum Brittain quickly moved to the top for a number of reasons.

After a month-long pursuit the 27-year-old became Boro’s third summer signing, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Described as one of the best right-backs in the Championship in recent years, Brittain ticked the box on several counts.

The first is his quality and comfort in playing as both a right-back and a right wing-back. For new Boro head coach Rob Edwards, this versatility made Brittain the ideal target.

Although he's played with wing-backs throughout preseason, he's not yet ruling out playing with a flat back four at times, with suggestions he'll be tactically flexible depending on his options, and the opposition analysis.

Offering insight into the quality of Brittain, the Lancashire Telegraph's Elliott Jackson told The Gazette: “Brittain is now one of the best in his position across the league. He is all-energy down the right flank. He's an attacking right-back who loves to go forward. That has always been his strength and the best part of his game.

“His crossing is excellent and he will constantly be a threat in the final third. Though he doesn’t score many, he’s excellent at creating chances.