MICHAEL CARRICK has named an extremely strong Middlesbrough side for this afternoon’s pre-season friendly against Heerenveen.

Indeed, with today’s game marking the end of Boro‘s pre-season programme, it would be no surprise at all to see the team that is starting at the Riverside this afternoon also lining up for next weekend’s Championship opener against Swansea City.

Rav van den Berg is the only midweek starter against Harrogate to have retained his place in today’s line-up, with the Dutchman set to partner Matt Clarke at the heart of the back four. Luke Ayling and Lukas Engel fill the full-back positions.

Jonny Howson partners Hayden Hackney at the heart of midfield, with Isaiah Jones and Riley McGree set to fill the wide-attacking positions.

Finn Azaz will play in the ‘number ten’ role, with Emmanuel Latte Lath starting as Boro’s central striker.

Dael Fry is once again absent from the squad, suggesting he is also likely to miss next weekend’s Championship season opener.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Dieng; Ayling, van den Berg, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Hackney; Jones, Azaz, McGree; Latte Lath.

Subs: Glover, Brynn, Barlaser, Burgzorg, Gilbert, Dijksteel, Morris, Coburn, Lenihan, McCormick, Finch.