Some reflections on the window ahead...

AS we draw ever closer to the opening of the January transfer window, Middlesbrough's victory over QPR, and indeed their three prior victories under new boss Kim Hellberg, highlighted the excellent place their squad is in.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Alex Bangura battles for the ball with Amir Hadziahmetovic of Hull City; Bangura has strived to make the most of the chances given to him by Hellberg

(ANNA GOWTHORPE/SHUTTERSTOCK)

Having built slowly to this stage over the course of the past few transfer windows, this summer's felt like the first time for a long while that Boro truly had their squad at a solid level in terms of quality, quantity and balance.

That's told as well, with Boro sitting second in the Championship, now seven points clear of third-placed Preston North End, and nine of seventh-placed Stoke City.

Options have improved further still under Hellberg, with the Swede's willingness to offer players fresh opportunities. With that, both Alex Bangura and Alex Gilbert have established themselves when just a few weeks ago they'd have been on the list of players vulnerable to the chop in January.

With the duo playing so much recently, after so long without football prior to that, Hellberg found his squad depth valuable as he offered both a rest in the QPR, with no disruption felt.

With Gilbert in particular, you saw the benefits of summer recruitment decisions that have left Boro's midfield feeling as strong as it has for a long time.