Karanka backs Fischer to be toast of Teesside

Aitor Karanka has backed summer acquisition Viktor Fischer to shine at the Riverside this season, once he has fully settled in the Middlesbrough team.

The 22-year-old Danish international was an early signing for Boro, confirming the transfer at the end of May, but head coach Karanka said the former Ajax man will still take time to find his feet on Teesside.

Fischer is one of eight summer additions to Karanka’s Boro squad, including Alvaro Negredo and Victor Valdes, as the Spaniard looks to find the perfect balance to his squad.

“Viktor is young, but he’s played in the Champions League and has experience,” said Karanka.

“It’s a new environment for him with new team-mates, so he has to keep going and keep improving.

“We are mixing players who, two-and-a-half years ago were fighting to stay in the Championship with players have played in the Champions League, and the spirit of the changing room is the same.

“It’s easier for everyone when you arrive in a changing room like we have here.

“The main thing is to keep going together.”

(Photo by VI Images, via Getty Images)

Playing as an attacking midfielder, Fischer scored his first Boro goal during the comeback victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, and Karanka saw enough to say his new boy will be a hit on their return to the Premier League.

“Viktor was very good, especially in the second half,” Karanka said of Fischer’s Villa performance.

“In the first half he was a little bit lost, which is normal because he’s only been with us a few weeks – it wasn’t his best performance.

“But in the second half, when I explained his mistakes to him, he was much more involved in the game.

“He is a quality player who is going to bring us a lot.”