How Middlesbrough fared in behind closed doors friendly against Celtic as first-team trio feature

Middlesbrough defenders George Friend and Ryan Shotton could make their first-team comebacks this week after coming through a 1-1 friendly draw with Celtic.

By Joe Nicholson

Published 11th Feb 2020, 18:01 BST

Updated 12th Feb 2020, 09:17 BST

Middlesbrough defender George Friend played 90 minutes in a friendly against Celtic.

Friend, 32, and Shotton, 31, have both been sidelined for over two months through injury but played 90 and 60 minutes respectively.

The pair have now featured in multiple games for the under-23 side and could be in the squad to face Luton on Saturday.

New signing Dejan Stojanovic also played the full match in goal as Boro came from behind at Rockliffe.

Boro’s side was mostly made up of under-23 players, including Nathan Wood and Tyrone O'Neill, while the senior side travelled to Wigan for their Championship fixture.

Celtic took the lead in the first half through Manchester City loanee Daniel Arzani – a player who is recovering from a serious knee injury.

O'Neill then drew Boro level from the penalty spot before seeing a second spot kick saved.