Boro chief confident as Kiwi links up

Gareth Southgate has given a trial to New Zealand left-back Tony Lochhead, but says he isn't worried if Boro don't sign another player.

The Middlesbrough boss has brought in the 26-year-old full-back after he was recommended by Wellington Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert. And if he impresses at the Riverside he could be brought in to challenge the likes of skipper Emanuel Pogatetz, Andrew Taylor and Jon Grounds for a starting place.

Southgate said: "We are very keen to take a look at Tony, judge him against the players we have here and see if we can use him.

"At the moment we have several great young players but we are probably lacking a bit of experience. That's why it will be good to take a look at Tony."

Southgate is still on the look-out for at least one new face, but after watching second-half goals from Jeremie Aliadiere and new signing Didier Digard help Boro defeat Carlisle 2-1 in Tuesday's friendly at Brunton Park, he will not be worried about starting the campaign with what he has got.

"There are certain areas on the field we would like a bit more competition, so it is possible we might do something like that (on the transfer front)," he told Sky Sports News.

"We are pleased with what we have got and if we go into the season with the squad we have got we expect to have a good season.

"We are young, but that is giving us a lot of energy and a lot enthusiasm and the players' attitude to the first three weeks of pre-season has been fantastic."