Sparta Battered Now For Spurs.

While Sparta Rotterdam may have been a couple of weeks behind Boro in their training schedule, nonetheless our victory in Holland following on from an impressive performance at Darlington by a young team could perhaps be the first sparks of a promising season at the Riverside this year.Yet with the completion of the sale of Young, could gaps in our backline hold us back from our full potential?

Our midfield and attack have displayed promising performances, with Alves notching in two goals in Rotterdam and Downing looking remarkably assured in the captaincy role. Some questions may be asked as to whether we need a further creative midfielder, but if we can ensure the defence is in order you would think that we would have assembled a team capable of a top half finish.

The sale of Young, who was a competent and consistent player may not be as damaging as first thought if an assured replacement fills his role, indeed the transfer fee was exceptional considering he was only at the club for a season. Although Rhys Williams has come to the fore rapidly in recent weeks and played well in the right back position, he was very impressive in a centre back role, and perhaps should be kept in this position. If Boro do move for Hoyte successfully, this should provide good competition with McMahon in this position. The question over whether our goalkeepers are able to adequately cope with the rigourous Premier League schedule it seems remains unanswered until the Tottenham game next Saturday.