Fresh reaction given to big Middlesbrough boost from Newcastle United - 'I’m very happy' | OneFootball

FLW's Boro Fan Pundit reveals his thoughts on Matt Targett remaining on Teesside for the rest of the season

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Matt Targett staying at Middlesbrough for the season on loan from Newcastle United has been lauded as a "big positive", with claims that the 30-year-old is "perfect" for their promotion push.

According to The Northern Echo, The Magpies have confirmed they have no intention of recalling Targett from his temporary spell at Boro, despite an ongoing injury crisis at St James' Park that has left the Premier League side with just four fit senior defenders.

Dan Burn has been sidelined for approximately six weeks after suffering lung and rib problems during the Tyne-Wear Derby, while Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are also unavailable.

With all this in mind, you can see why there were some concerns over a potential recall for Targett - who is listed as Boro's highest-paid player this season as per Capology estimates, at £60k-a-week.

Matt Targett is "perfect" for Middlesbrough's promotion hopes

FLW’s Middlesbrough Fan Pundit, Liam Day, sees Targett's continued presence as a huge positive for the club's promotion push. Speaking on the situation, Day outlined exactly why the experienced defender's availability is so vital to Boro's chances of returning to the Premier League.

"I certainly see it as a big positive that Matt Targett’s staying for the rest of the season," Day began telling FLW.

"He’s such a solid Championship player, he’s perfect for a team that’s pushing for promotion. He’s reliable, he’s very, very good defensively. Going forward, he’s not the greatest, but you’ve got [Alex] Bangura to counter that," Day added.

Bangura, of course, started in Kim Hellberg's first match in charge of Boro against Derby County - which was his first competitive start for 22 months. It seems as though the 37-year-old Swedish head coach has found a good balance between the two already.

Day then placed emphasis on why he thinks Targett's value extends far beyond his performances on the pitch. He claimed, "Whilst I do think Bangura is likely to start more over Targett, having him in and around the squad - his leadership, experience - it’s all key really for a team that is fighting for promotion."

Middlesbrough urged to make more 'smart signings' in January

When Targett first signed for Middlesbrough, our Fan Pundit said there was some initial skepticism surrounding him from other Boro fans, but Day has urged Steve Gibson to ensure more 'smart signings' are made when the transfer window opens next month.

Day said to FLW, "He [Targett] got some slack when he was signed. I never got it personally, always thought such a smart signing, and I think we need more of that just to push us over the line."

Concluding with, "So, I’m very happy that he is staying."

These final words suggest that the club’s recruitment strategy from the summer has proven shrewd, particularly in securing a proven Championship player on loan from a Premier League club.

Although Day didn't specify what areas of the team he thinks needs 'more' experience from the top-flight, any potential further signings they make from the Premier League would surely give the current team an extra boost to see out the rest of the season in the top two.

Ultimately, with Targett confirmed as staying put and Bangura back in contention, Middlesbrough now possess good depth at left-back. Yes, Newcastle had every right to bring him back following their injury crisis, but they obviously think it's more beneficial for the 30-year-old to stay put.

Whether Hellberg wishes to add in January remains to be seen, but the option has been tipped by Day, and it may arise as a talking point when the Swede meets with his recruitment team in the coming days.