Tony Mowbray backs George Friend to score goals this season

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray believes that George Friend can chip in with goals this season after the defender opened his account against Wigan Athletic at the weekend.

The 26-year-old, who joined the club from Doncaster Rovers in 2012, struck Middlesbrough's leveller in the 2-2 draw at the DW Stadium.

Mowbray told the club's official website: "We have been trying to get George playing higher and back to how he did early last season.

"The signs are good and we're pleased with him. He's still got a bit to go, but we all saw in his first six months what a threat he can be and we've got to make sure he continues in that vein."

Middlesbrough currently sit 14th in the Championship table.