Kim Hellberg has commented on Jeremy Sarmiento's chances of starting games for Middlesbrough.

Kim Hellberg believes Jeremy Sarmiento is closing in on being able to start games for Middlesbrough, and insists his side will ‘need’ the winger before the end of the season.

The Ecuador international has made three appearances from the bench since arriving from Brighton on loan in January, but his 31-minute runout against Coventry City on Monday was by far his most substantial yet. Despite Boro going down 3-1 in the Midlands, Sarmiento made a positive impact, creating one chance and playing three crosses into the opposition box, while he hit the post with an excellent effort from the edge of the box in the 64th minute, minutes before Riley McGree halved the deficit.

Kim Hellberg comments on Jeremy Sarmiento progress

Despite Monday’s defeat, Boro sit second in the Championship table, five points clear of third-place Millwall with 14 games to go - though Ipswich Town can close the gap to just a point if they win their two games in hand.

With that in mind, Boro will need every player to contribute their very best if they’re to seal a first return to the Premier League since 2017, starting with Saturday afternoon’s home tie against relegation-threatened Oxford United. In his pre-match press conference, Boro boss Hellberg was asked about the chances of Sarmiento starting following his impact against Coventry. The Swedish coach declined to give a definitive answer, but did admit he is on his way to becoming a starter.

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“He’s been given that time that he needed, after not playing much football. The 25 minutes (against Coventry) was very, very good, which means he’s further ahead. “He’s getting there, and then we’ll see. We will need him. It’s 14 games left, and we will need him, he has to play a big part in this, like many other players. “He’s starting to get ready to start, yes.”

What next for Middlesbrough?

As mentioned, Boro host Oxford this weekend at the start of what is a busy run in the Championship. Tuesday will then see them remain at the Riverside Stadium to face Leicester City, before beginning March with a pair of tough away trips to Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers. Boro then have another home double-header against Charlton Athletic and Bristol City, after which Hellberg will hope to see his side remaining comfortably in one of the two automatic promotion spots.

Middlesbrough’s next 6 Championship fixtures: