Middlesbrough FC news and transfer rumours: Neil Warnock quizzed on Britt Assombalonga's future as Aston Villa man reacts to move

Assombalonga scored the opener and played a part in the second goal which was converted by midfielder George Saville at the City Ground.

Speaking as a pundit on the EFL’s highlights show on Quest, Bent was asked about the forward’s performance.

“He scores a great goal but it was real poor defending, lazy defending from Joe Worrell and Cyrus Christie just letting him get in there,” said Bent.

“He was onside and it was a great finish through the goalkeeper’s legs.

“He was certainly in the wars today scoring a great goal and was involved in the second."

Assombalonga will see his Boro contract expire at the end of the season but manager Neil Warnock was tight-lipped on the player’s future after the match.

"When Britt's like that, he's as good as anything. I just wish he'd do that every week,” said Warnock.

When asked about his captain’s contract situation, Warnock replied: “We don’t worry about things like that here at this club. I think everybody is out of contract upfront - Ashley Fletcher and one or two others.

“What will be will be. We’ll worry about them when we have to.”

Hourihane reacts to Swansea move

New Swansea signing Conor Hourihane says manager Steve Cooper played a big part in his move to the Liberty Stadium.

The 29-year-old midfielder has signed for the Swans on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season after being linked with several Championship clubs.

Middlesbrough were one of the teams who were credited with interest in the Ireland international, yet Boro’s priority has always been to sign another wide player this month.

Speaking to Swansea’s website, Hourihane was asked what attracted him to South Wales.

“Probably the manager first and foremost,” replied the midfielder. “The last couple of weeks he’s been getting on to me to get myself down and get playing.

“I’ve heard great things about the city from people who have been here before. The style of play as well, the way that the gaffer plays will probably suit me as well, his formation.

“It just ticked all the boxes really so it made the decision quite easy and the right one I felt.”

Former Boro defender moves on

Finally, former Boro centre-back Sam Stubbs has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with League Two side Exeter City.

Stubbs left the Riverside to join Fleetwood at the start of the season but had made just five league appearances since the move.

After the move was announced, the defender told Exeter’s website: "There is a lot about Exeter City that made me join the club.

“The biggest thing for me is that they were interested in me for a while and the way the club are. They are really good at developing players and getting the best out of them.

"Everyone always says great things about Exeter, they always say it’s a great club with great people."

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