Luke Ayling reacts as Will Lankshear drops 'unreal' Middlesbrough message | OneFootball

Luke Ayling has responded to Will Lankshear's message to Middlesbrough fans ahead of the international break

Luke Ayling has responded to Will Lankshear’s message to Middlesbrough fans reflecting on the start to the season.

The forward made the permanent switch to the Riverside from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, and has made an impressive start to life at the club.

Michael Owen even claimed that he should be on England manager Thomas Tuchel’s radar, with the 21-year-old now scoring six in the opening eight league fixtures of the campaign.

Lankshear previously had loan spells with Oxford United and West Brom at this level, but his form has been taken up a gear since signing for the Teesside outfit.

Kim Hellberg will be hoping that the striker can maintain this level for the rest of the campaign, with the team chasing promotion to the Premier League.

But the league is now on pause, with a three-week international break now underway, giving the players time for a rest before the busy part of the season.

Will Lankshear’s message to Middlesbrough supporters

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Lankshear has issued a message of pride to the Middlesbrough supporters, as he reflects on these opening couple of months of the new season.

The forward posted on his Instagram account to thank the fans for welcoming him to the club, and that he’s looking forward to continuing the fight after the lengthy international break.

“A strong start to the Championship, proud to be a part of this team,” wrote Lankshear.

“A massive thank you to all the home and away fans you have been unreal.

“See you all after the break, let’s keep fighting.”

Ayling is among the Middlesbrough teammates to have replied to Lankshear, writing: “Some start by boy.”

Boro agreed a deal with Spurs in July that could rise to a club record fee of £20 million in order to secure the signature of Lankshear.

It’s been claimed that the initial fee is worth £10 million, with an additional £10 million in add-ons and incentives.

Middlesbrough’s start to the season

Middlesbrough have gone into the break off the back of a 2-2 draw away to Birmingham City on Saturday.

Lankshear failed to find the back of the net, as the team stretched their unbeaten run to six games in the Championship.

Hellberg’s side have earned 15 points from a possible 24, winning four, drawing three and losing one.

The Teesside outfit are just two points off top spot, with Swansea City leading the way ahead of West Ham.

Boro will return to action on 10 October against fourth place Wolves at the Riverside.

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Will Lankshear is proving a shrewd signing for Middlesbrough

A deal worth as much as £20 million was a statement deal for Boro to make with Spurs in the summer, and it put a lot of pressure on Lankshear to deliver the goods.

It’s still early in the campaign, but it’s fair to say that he’s made a strong start to life at the Riverside, with six goals to his name in the league already.

Hellberg will be pleased with the impact he’s having, and he’s already looking like quite a popular figure in the dressing room at the age of only 21.

If he can power the club to the Premier League this season, then the significant fee to sign him will have proved its worth after just one year.