Middlesbrough attacker tipped to not play for the club again - 'I'd be shocked' | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough Fan Pundit Liam has given his thoughts on Marcus Forss' time at Bolton.

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...

Marcus Forss has struggled to hit the ground running for Bolton Wanderers.

The Finnish striker found the back of the net just once in 24 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough last term, resulting in a loan switch to League One.

Bolton are flying high in the third-tier promotion race, but game time has been limited for Forss, with the forward netting twice across 592 league minutes.

FLW's Middlesbrough Fan Pundit, Liam Day, has outlined that he does not see much of a future for Forss on Teeside.

"I'd be shocked" - Verdict given on Marcus Forss' Middlesbrough future

"I'd be shocked if he continues his Boro career," Liam told Football League World when asked whether he expects the Finn to be sold after his loan spell ends.

"He has definitely shown glimpses of being a clinical finisher in the Championship, but he's dropped down to League One and is struggling to start for Bolton."

Forss has proven to be a versatile asset for Steven Schumacher at Bolton, but has been unable to claim a guaranteed starting spot - something that is linked to the form of Mason Burstow and Amario Cozier-Duberry in particular, with the pair netting 13 of Bolton's 27 goals thus far.

Forss has scored three times and registered an assist in the EFL Trophy for Wanderers, though he has not found the back of the net in the league since Bolton's 2-0 win against Wigan in September.

"I know that they are flying, but I thought a player of his quality would smash it in League One. He is unfortunately not doing that," added Liam.

"His overall game is just not good enough. He will have moments of quality throughout, but he's not good enough for a team that is fighting for promotion in the Championship," said Liam, thinking about the Finn's future on Teeside.

"I would be shocked if he played another minute for Middlesbrough. There is definitely a player there, and I think he would do a lot better at a different League One club. He needs game time; he is entering the prime of his career."

Since making the switch to the Riverside in 2022, Forss has shown glimpses of quality, but has struggled to really hit the ground running, with his one goal last term being the final straw, culminating in a drop to League One.

"He needs to get playing, and he definitely won't do that at Boro," concluded Liam.

Middlesbrough's Premier League ambitions will have the biggest impact on Marcus Forss' future

Middlesbrough are flying high in the Championship, with the Teesiders occupying second, seven points clear of Preston North End in third.

Boro started well under Rob Edwards and had put themselves among the contenders; they have seemingly shifted further through the gears under Kim Hellberg.

After beating Derby County 2-1 in the Swede's first match in charge, they have secured wins against Hull, Charlton and QPR, with their recent victory against the R's drawing particular attention from the visiting supporters.

Seeing their side lose 3-1 away from home, R's fans continued to praise Middlesbrough, who are now carrying serious promotion ambitions.

Forss has been unable to raise any eyebrows in League One thus far, making a potential Boro comeback story unlikely. The chances of this are lowered even further should the Teesiders find themselves in the Premier League next term - something that supporters are already dreaming of.

The Finn has shown glimpses of quality throughout his career in England, but has ultimately found the back of the net just 27 times in 142 Championship appearances during spells with Boro, Brentford and Hull.

During his time in West London, he did notch an assist in the Premier League for the Bees, though he was unable to make a real impression under Thomas Frank.