Gareth Southgate's squad had a new face when pre-season training began on Monday, veteran keeper Danny Coyne having signed from Tranmere Rovers as cover and competition for Brad Jones.

"Leaving Tranmere was a hard decision but joining Middlesbrough was a no-brainer for me," said the 35-year-old Welshman.

"I came up and met the manager and goalkeeper coach Stephen Pears, saw the training facilities and made my mind up."

Southgate meanwhile put his players, minus those who have spent part of the summer on international duty, through their paces as what every 'Boro fan hopes will be a promotion campaign begins.

"The players have kept themselves pretty fit," he told the Evening Gazette.

Pre-season will be spent in the UK, with the first friendly a trip to Macclesfield on 18 July.