Middlesbrough announced the signing of Millwall midfielder George Saville on a season-long loan last month, with the Northern Irishman set to sign on a permanent deal next summer.
Saville is yet to join up with his Middlesbrough teammates, after being sent out on international duty with Northern Ireland shortly after signing.
But, he has since given his first interview about his move to Teesside with BBC Sport, he said: “At this stage it’s a fantastic move for myself personally and one I’m really looking forward to,
“My very first loan move was Millwall so it’s been a move that’s been really good for me and my career, but at this stage of my career and the interest Middlesbrough showed in me, I couldn’t turn it down.”
He addressed Middlesbrough’s style of play, and although it may not be as free flowing as other sides in the division, he believes Tony Pulis is certainly effective.
“The style of play is not like the fantastic football Manchester City will play but he is effective and he knows how to win football matches in the Championship. That’s what it is about – getting out of the league. Tony knows how to win football matches and that’s all I care about.”
Saville came up against new teammate Muhamed Besic, as Northern Ireland were defeated 2-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League.
“It’s my first encounter (with Besic),” said Saville.
“Obviously I signed late on Friday and went straight to Northern Ireland so haven’t had chance to meet the boys. But obviously I’ll be playing with him for the rest of the season, it’ll be an interesting one.”
