Tony Pulis praises 'exceptional' Martin Braithwaite as Middlesbrough striker looks set to return

The Danish international was interested in a move away from Teesside during the summer transfer window but remained a Boro player after a deal didn't materialise.

But, Braithwaite, 27, insists he is "fully focused" on giving his all for the Teessiders after posting a message on Instagram earlier this week.

Pulis is delighted that Braithwaite, who has scored three goals in five Championship starts this campaign, will remain at the Riverside, and is keen to get the forward back in his side.

"I’ve had a good chat, he’s promised to get his head down and really give it a go this year," said Pulis.

"All the speculation about him leaving, in the last season he went to Bordeaux and he had to come back fresh from that, has affected him.

"He was playing really well, he was exceptional. He looked in every game like he was going to score goals for us.

"We want him back in the team. What I want is footballers who want to be at this football club. It's a great football club to come into every morning and work."

"Things will be done properly, and like I say he's come in yesterday and had a good chat."

Braithwaite should be available for tomorrow's game at Norwich, after representing Denmark during the international break.

The striker wasn't the only Boro player who was called-up for his country, with new signing George Saville featuring for Northern Ireland.

Pulis is keen to see the midfielder in action, as well as defender Danny Batth, both of whom were signed on Deadline Day

"Danny's a good lad with a great attitude," added Pulis.

"He's a real man around the place, and you can't have too many of them.

"George Saville we've only had one day with, and to be fair to him and [Mo] Besic they're the two who played two full 90 minutes with their countries.

"They just did a warm down and watched the rest yesterday."