"He's an absolute handful" - Exclusive: Don Goodman drops claim on Josh Coburn situation at Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing Middlesbrough's Josh Coburn dilemma.

Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn has been enjoying an impressive loan spell at Millwall this season.

The 22-year-old Boro academy graduate moved to The Den on a season-long deal at the start of the season, having struggled to cement a starting role on Teesside under Michael Carrick.

Injuries have been a frustratingly common occurrence during his young career so far, and this has been one of the key reasons behind his inability to hold down a meaningful role at the Riverside Stadium.

The big centre-forward has endured injury setbacks during his time with the Lions this season too, having first picked up a significant calf injury in September, before fracturing his foot in December, both of which would keep him sidelined for a number of weeks.

However, when he has been on the pitch for Alex Neil's side, the young forward has been able to show the obvious potential that has always been visible since his senior Boro breakthrough back in the 2020/21 season.

"It's a surprise" - Don Goodman makes Middlesbrough, Josh Coburn transfer claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Don Goodman: 'Should Boro hand a chance to Josh Coburn next season or offload him? He's been in good form on loan at Millwall.'

Goodman said: "He seems to have been around a while now Josh Coburn, doesn't he?

"But, he's never really given an extended and long run in the team at Middlesbrough, yet he goes to Millwall and he's scored five goals in 11 starts (correct after 42 Championship games played this season).

"He's an absolute handful. He's a big, tall, old-school striker, and he's mobile as well. So it's a little bit of a surprise, maybe, that he hasn't been handed an opportunity in a Middlesbrough shirt.

"But clearly, the way that Michael Carrick sees the game, he would be more of an impact player coming off the bench than getting starts.

"So we'll have to see how that goes over the course of the summer, and the early part of next season."

Millwall manager Alex Neil has already set his eyes on striking permanent Josh Coburn, Middlesbrough transfer

Millwall have a clear and set brand of physical football, and as the likes of Steve Morison did so brilliantly for a number of years, The Den loves to see a tough, hard-working, battering ram-style centre-forward wearing their colours.

Coburn certainly fits that description, and it's those traits that has seen him become a popular figure among the Lions support, and evidently, the club's manager too.

That's because Neil, speaking via The Northern Echo, has already made no secret of his desire to sign Coburn permanently from Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window.

Neil said: "I’d absolutely love to keep him here. I don’t think that’s any secret with Josh. I think he really enjoys it here, and I’ve changed things because of him.

"I very rarely play with two players up front, it’s never really been my shape as a coach, but when you’ve got someone like Josh, it’s worth playing him as part of a two because your goal threat goes up by doing that.

“He’s in there to be a physical presence because if he can do that, then we know he’s got really good feet for a big guy and he can score a goal," Neil continued.

"He’s good in the air too, so he’s got a lot to his game, he just needs time to develop. We believe in him here, and we’ll give him the time that’s necessary.”

Coburn is contracted with Middlesbrough until the summer of 2027, meaning Boro don't have to sell their talented young striker this summer.

That could be the stance they take too, given the fact they will surely be looking for a centre-forward this summer to not only replace Emmanuel Latte Lath, but also given that the loan signing Kelechi Iheanacho hasn't worked out.

However, Millwall clearly value Coburn, and see him as having a long and successful career at The Den. Therefore, it looks set to be a hugely important summer in the career of Boro's centre-forward.