Middlesbrough tipped to make 'ruthless' Luke Ayling decision if promoted | OneFootball

Luke Ayling's contract with Middlesbrough is set to expire this summer, but should Boro renew his deal amid a potential return to the Premier League?

Middlesbrough took another step closer to the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as they trashed QPR at the MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium.

Goals from David Strelec, Alan Browne, Hayden Hackney, and Tommy Conway saw Boro cruise to three points against the Hoops, and they'll be confident of keeping their promotion hopes in their own hands.

Another player that caught the eye for all the right reasons was experienced defender, Luke Ayling. The former Leeds United full-back has been a regular in the Middlesbrough team this season, and has proven to be a versatile option across the defence.

Ayling has made 35 appearances so far this season for Middlesbrough, and put in a strong performance at centre-back in the win over QPR at the weekend.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of this year's league campaign, and there will be questions over his future, especially if Boro are to hold their nerve and win promotion into the Premier League.

'An elite player' - Ayling verdict issued

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam Day, has issued his thoughts on whether Ayling would be a good enough option to have in the Middlesbrough squad if they were playing their football in the top-flight next season.

"I definitely don't think he'd be the required level, to be honest. I think whilst he has been quite good this season, you know at times he's definitely shown his age, and I don't think that's really a problem with him, as it's what happens with every footballer really.

"I think he should still be in and around the squad, don't know whether that's on a playing term or in a coaching term. He seems really good for the dressing room, and I just wish we had him around five years ago! He just seemed such an elite player and I can see why Leeds fans loved him so much."

'You have to be ruthless'

Day went on to admit that Middlesbrough need to be "ruthless" with their decisions on players' futures heading into the summer, as ultimately, if they're not, then it could be a swift return back into the Championship for them.

"For the Championship, I think he's (Ayling) perfectly fine this season, but he's probably going to get past it next season. I do feel sorry for him, but if you go up, you need to be ruthless, and this is a decision that I hope we are ruthless on. I think many others in the squad that will be similar, and it's a shame, but that's the price you have to pay if you want to stay in the Premier League."

Boro are second in the Championship table, and find themselves four points clear of third-placed Millwall, in what will be an interesting battle for the automatic promotion places in the second-tier.

Ayling is likely to remain in the starting XI with Middlesbrough for the foreseeable future, especially considering that Boro are now sweating on the fitness of Dael Fry, who was forced off injured in the win over QPR on Sunday.

It's vital that Middlesbrough's owners get their recruitment spot on this summer, as wrong moves could prove costly, as they potentially look to retain their status in the Premier League.