Negredo off to Boro flier

Alvaro Negredo is off the mark already and Aitor Karanka is expecting big things from him in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough’s major summer signing, who joined on loan from Valencia last week, struck in the first half of a 2-2 draw with AD Alcorcon.

Fellow Spaniard Victor Valdes also got his first runout in Boro colours as Aitor Karanka’s side were held in their second friendly fixture in Marbella.

Boro thought they had won it at the death when Jordan Rhodes scored, only for the Spanish Second Division outfit to level from the kick-off.

But for Karanka the sight of Negredo in a red shirt AND scoring will have made him happy with the start of the season just 20 days away.

“He’s a really good player and a player who can play in the Premier League for sure,” Karanka said.

“We can’t forget that Valencia paid 30million euros for him two years ago so a player like him, you don’t forget how to play. Last season he didn’t play his best and I am sure we will see his best this season.”

A delightful ball from Gaston Ramirez created the first real chance for Boro, but keeper Jose Benito kept out Albert Adomah’s effort on the half-hour.

However, the goal finally came on 34 minutes when a Ramirez shot rebounded off the post and fell to Negredo, who cleverly moved the ball around two defenders to create the room to fire a right-foot shot home.

Negredo was unlucky not to double Boro’s lead four minutes later after being found by George Friend, but he was thwarted by Benito.

Karanka made five changes at the break, with Tomas Mejias, Emilio Nsue, Cristhian Stuani, David Nugent and Rhodes coming on, but Alcorcon levelled when Bautista’s swerving 25-yarder beat Mejias.

Boro seemed to have snatched a winner came with a minute leftm after Carlos De Pena’s cross from the left was met by Rhodes, who headed home for his fourth goal of pre-season.

However, Alcorcon salvaged a late equaliser.