Winners, losers and intrigue - what we learnt ahead of the big kick-off

PRESEASON is over for another year and now all attention turns towards Saturday's opener against Swansea City for Middlesbrough.

- By CRAIG JOHNS [e-mail] @craig_johns

A first preseason at the club for Rob Edwards, the new head coach is now hoping he and his players have done enough over the summer to prepare themselves for the campaign ahead. He admits they're not yet the finished article though, with four draws and two defeats over the course of the summer friendly schedule.

On top of that, Boro are far from finished with their transfer business this month, meaning they're not quite where they want to be just yet in terms of their squad. Despite that, Edwards will be forced to go with what he has for the time being.

Here’s the main talking points and conclusions that emerge from preseason.

THE BIG WINNERS

In terms of players who emerge from preseason as winners, the obvious place to start is Sammy Silvera. The Aussie looked certain to be a player moved on this summer. But with a need for pace from wing-backs, Edwards has found success in using a hungry Silvera in the role.

Boro still plan to strengthen at left wing-back this summer due to Alex Bangura’s latest injury setback. A bid has gone in for Columbus Crew and USA wing-back Max Arfsten. But another impressive display against Deportivo means Silvera has almost certainly cemented his starting spot against the Swans this weekend.

On top of that, Dael Fry has been a rock at the heart of Boro’s defence and had profited from extra work on attacking set-pieces, adding two goals and an assist over the course of the summer games.

Aidan Morris's all-action style looks tailor-made to Edwards’ tactics, while Morgan Whittaker appears to be enjoying his role in the side too.

Up top, Tommy Conway ended the summer with two more goals against Deportivo and heads into the season as Boro’s only natural number nine, having been handed the prestigious shirt number by Edwards. Boro still hope to add competition, but Conway is well-placed to cement his place.

INJURY CONCERNS PERSIST