Senior men struggle up: what we learnt on

THOUGH billed as a first-team friendly, it ended up being a Middlesbrough team largely made of under-21 players at Hartlepool United on Wednesday evening.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

With Rob Edwards seemingly satisfied with the fitness that the majority of his first-team players have gained over the previous four summer friendlies, only four senior men were involved at Victoria Park. Edwards was in the dugout for the 1-1 draw, but it appeared to be U21 boss Mark Tinkler who led the side.

As Boro now head into their final friendly of the summer at home against Deportivo tomorrow, the Hartlepool friendly was more a chance for young players to impress, and for the four senior men to top their minutes up. But there was still plenty to learn.

Here are the talking points that emerged from the game.

With Boro made up of young players from their second string in the main, they didn’t ever really carry the same kind of tempo and attacking quality as we've seen Boro have throughout the summer friendlies.

Dan Barlaser, Alex Gilbert, Micah Hamilton and Marcus Forss were the four senior men in action - all there to top their minutes up, having not played as much over the summer.

All four could be considered fringe players right now, and, if Boro manage to get the incomings they hope to by the end of the window, might even find their futures at the club uncertain. There was little evidence in this one that wasn’t a fair reflection of their status.

It's perhaps most harsh to Forss.

He played as the striker at Hartlepool and was largely starved of service. He worked hard in the press and was unlucky with the only real opportunity he had to get on the ball and run at the defence.

His hassling contributed to Sonny Finch’s equaliser. The Finn has just 12 months left on his contract, but his versatility in the attacking roles and his ability to finish chances, could yet make him a squad player of value this season.

In the middle of the park, Barlaser and Gilbert were largely comfortable, without ever really forcing the issue or helping Boro command the game in the way Edwards likes.