Middlesbrough made their first signing of the January transfer window this week, with the arrival of Rajiv van La Parra from Huddersfield Town on loan.
Many Middlesbrough fans have been crying out for a winger, and their prayers have been answered with the loan signing of Rajiv van La Parra.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup Third Round game against Peterborough United, Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis confirmed the Dutchman will start the tie at The Riverside tomorrow.
“He hasn’t played much football this year, we need to get him fit, he’ll start tomorrow” he said.
However, van La Parra hasn’t managed too many minutes this season for Huddersfield, and could be suffering from a lack of match fitness. Tony Pulis addressed this in the press conference, stating that he wouldn’t be able to play the full game.
“We’ll have to be patient because of his fitness levels. He won’t be fit enough to play for 90 minutes.”
With Middlesbrough’s lack of wingers in the side, van La Parra gives the side an energy and the speed that has been lacking since the departure of Adama Traore to Wolves in the summer. Stewart Downing is the only natural wide man in the squad, but the Boro-born midfielder is now 34 years old, and can’t play week-in week-out for 90 minutes.
“He’s got that pace, he’s a leg beater” said Pulis regarding the new signing, and Boro fans will be hoping he can get off to a positive start against Peterborough on Saturday afternoon.
