Jason Euell admits he's been stunned by Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate's decision to let him leave.

"I came in and have been told I am not going to be playing regular first-team football and I can talk to other clubs," Euell told skysports.com. "Three weeks into pre-season and everything was going well and Gareth told me I would not be in the reckoning for midfield, so I would be classed as a striker.

"Then a few weeks later I am told I am not part of his plans - which is a strange turnaround. I have come in for pre-season at my peak and expecting to push for a place, but that is not to be. I have not made the 16 for the first few games, and I have been 17th man - which I did not expect really.

"We have a very young squad and although I don't see myself as being old - I am one of the older and more experienced players in the squad."