Smith is still training at Rockliffe
TOMMY Smith is still training with Middlesbrough this week.
The right-back has been at Rockliffe for the past fortnight training with Boro after his release from Stoke City at the end of last season.
Smith played and scored in Boro’s pre-season opener last weekend against Bishop Auckland and manager Chris Wilder hinted afterwards he would be keen to offer the 30-year-old a contract if the club manage to reach a deal to sell Djed Spence to Tottenham.
With a full squad to assemble this summer, the Boro boss has been reluctant to add another right wing-back while Spence remains a Boro player as he insists he will use the in-demand youngster next term if Spurs don’t meet the club’s valuation.
New reports have suggested Boro are close to signing right-sided fullback Ryan Nyambe after he left Blackburn Rovers this summer.
For now, that remains speculation but it seems improbable Wilder will sign both Nyambe and Smith this summer, with Isaiah Jones cementing his place in the starting line-up for that role last term.
The Boro boss is keen to add strength in depth this summer as he craves competition for places to drive up standards, which is why he will be keen to replace Spence when the 21-year-old’s inevitable exit is completed.
Wilder was reluctant to describe Smith as a triallist after the game at Heritage Park on Saturday, keen to note how successful a career the defender has had so far and that he did not have to prove his quality to him.
Nevertheless, Smith did impress in that friendly game and has continued training with Boro this week.
As things stand, he is also expected to be in the squad which travels to York City’s LNER Community Stadium this evening for the club’s second friendly game of the summer