Derby County must be watching Callum Brittain's Middlesbrough exploits with major transfer regret | OneFootball

Callum Brittain has got off to a flying start for Middlesbrough - Derby County must be filled with regret.

Callum Brittain has got off to a flying start for Middlesbrough under new boss Rob Edwards and he's already a fundamental part of the Boro starting XI.

Former Blackburn right-back Callum Brittain signed for Middlesbrough at the beginning of August on a four-year deal and has become an instant hit at the Riverside Stadium.

Brittain has proven himself as a standout talent at Championship level after becoming a key fixture in the Blackburn side over the past three seasons prior to his arrival in Teesside.

Having clocked up over 300 appearances throughout his career, the 27-year-old brought a wealth of experience with him when signing for Boro, and that has certainly translated onto the pitch with consistently high performance levels in the early stages of the season.

After a summer of transfer speculation with it being a two-horse race between Middlesbrough and Derby County for Brittain's services, the Rams will certainly be looking at his start to life with Boro and be filled with major transfer regret.

Derby County may be regretting not securing a deal for Callum Brittain

At the end of July in the summer transfer window, it seemed as though Derby County had a real chance of completing a transfer agreement for Brittain.

The Rams had been linked with the full-back throughout the summer, but faced stern competition from Middlesbrough, who were also evidently desperate to strike a deal for the defender.

That they eventually did, as a £3.5m deal was completed, before it was revealed that the full-back-turned wing-back on Teesside, had made it clear he preferred the project at Middlesbrough under new management, and would suit Rob Edwards' attacking-minded system.

Having been thrown in the deep end by Edwards following Boro's desperate need for wing-backs, Brittain has taken to his new role at ease after starting every league and cup fixture of the season, quickly making him one of the most reliable players within the group.

As for Derby County, missing out of the signing of Brittain may be a blow. However, it hasn't caused too much concern, as the Rams managed to secure the signing of Max Johnston from Sturm Graz late on in the summer transfer window.

The Scotsman has slotted into John Eustace's side and has been a solid performer in his first couple of games for the club.

Despite being merely 21-years of age, Johnston has played at the top-level, having got Champions League experience under his belt as well as representing his country on the international stage in the recent break, highlighting his proven capabilities in the Championship and is one to watch for the future.

Callum Brittain has got off to a flyer for Middlesbrough

As aforementioned, with Brittain having featured in every game this season for the Teessiders, he is just the player that Edwards was in search for in the summer and hasn't disappointed.

Partnered with fellow new arrival Matt Targett in the wing-back roles has been a key factor in Boro's table-topping success six games into the season.

The pair have provided an exceptional attacking outlet which has led to their free-flowing attacks, as highlighted by Kaly Sene's intricate team goal versus West Brom on Friday night.

He may be yet to register a goal or assist in red and white colours yet, but Middlesbrough fans will be the first to tell you that he's been incredibly unlucky not to have multiple goal contributions to his name, and has been the architect behind many dangerous Boro attacks.

As well as the attacking side of the game, Brittain has put in some top defensive performances too and has helped his new side achieve three clean sheets so far this season, proving to Edwards that he is a perfect fit for the system by being outstanding at both ends of the pitch.

For Derby, they may be wishing that they signed Brittain over Johnston, as the 27-year-old has played a key role in guiding Boro to the top of the league.

But for Johnston, it's early days for him in Derby colours and could well prove to be the right option for them as Eustace highly rates the young right-back.