Neil Warnock hopeful he can sign number one striker target as Middlesbrough boss reveals Barnsley selection plans

The Middlesbrough boss has praised frontmen Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher over pre-season, but felt he didn’t have enough attacking options on the bench during Friday’s defeat at Watford.

Boro have missed out on several transfer targets this summer but did manage to bring in goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and midfielder Sam Morsy last week.

When asked about transfers ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game against Barnsley, Warnock said his main priority is still to sign another striker in the next few weeks.

"My main choice is still ongoing, we’re optimistic but we have been before. We may have some more news on Wednesday,” said Warnock.

"I have to bring in two strikers before the deadline, we’ve been waiting for my number one target now for a couple of weeks really.

"We keep getting good bits of news and then get our hopes dashed so I’m not getting carried away.

"I like to think the player I’m looking at we can get over the line then I’d like to bring in another one in, probably a younger lad to supplement the three who can help change the game.”

Warnock also confirmed that Lewis Wing, Dael Fry, Hayden Coulson, Marcus Browne and Nathan Wood will be involved against Barnsley, while Morsy is set to make his debut.

The Boro boss wants some of the squad’s younger players to stake a claim for a starting spot, especially due to his lack of options.

"I’ve said today listen lads you’re not knocking on my door but every one of you has something to prove to me now,” Warnock added.

"You have all played at this level so you all have to knock my door down and say you saw how I played so give me a chance. That’s what I’m looking for tomorrow.

"It will be a great game for us regarding how certain lads cope in the positions that I’m playing them looking ahead to the league matches.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.