Gareth Southgate has assured Middlesbrough fans they'll be excited about their prospects come the new season kickoff.

The Boro manager said: "I've enjoyed looking at the fixtures but it's really about making sure we are ready no matter what the opposition.

"I think there's been some concern among the supporters, but it's not about the squad we have now in June, it's about the squad we have when the season kicks off.

"We're already making progress and I'd just ask the fans to bear with us and trust us."