Six of the best: Who caught the eye in Boro's Ibrox outing

MIDDLESBROUGH'S season preparations continued at Ibrox on Saturday with a really encouraging outing against Scottish giants Rangers.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Though Boro squandered a two-goal lead to only leave Glasgow with a draw, there was plenty to like about how Rob Edwards’ side looked.

Neto Borges and Dael Fry scored the Boro goals, both of which came from set-pieces again after two at Mansfield.

Despite tiring towards the end and succumbing as Rangers brought on some of their bigger hitters, Boro dominated for much of the game and showed many positive signs.

It was an all-round solid performance from the starting XI in general, but here are the six Boro players who caught the eye most at Ibrox.

DAEL FRY

For such an aerially dominant player, that Dael Fry has only two goals in his ten-year career to date has been a minor criticism of the Teessider. As a defender, scoring goals will never be his main job, but it would be a huge plus for Boro if he could use his physically imposing frame to become a threat from set-pieces.

It takes at least two to be successful at attacking set-pieces of course, and Fry could fairly argue that his service over the years have been lacking. In three games under Edwards this summer he already has two goals, and assisted Borges’ goal too. What's pleasing is that Morgan Whittaker appears to be providing that dead-ball quality, and Fry seems to be thriving as a result.

As well as a goal and an assist at Rangers, he was commanding throughout at the heart of Boro's three-man defence again. Aggressive to step out and win every duel, he allowed his side to remain on the front foot for much of the opening hour.

SAMMY SILVERA