Karanka not worried by misfiring Boro

Middlesbrough will be ready for the new season according to manager Aitor Karanka despite being held to a goalless draw by Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game.

The promoted side couldn’t find a way through at the Riverside and will be looking to improve their finishing in front of goal when they kick off the Premier League season against Stoke next Saturday.

And although Boro weren’t at their best, Karanka is expecting them to fire when the Premier League campaign gets underway.

“I wanted to play against [Sociedad] because this last test was really important,” Karanka said.

“It wasn’t our best but we played against a really good team.

“I am pleased we have no new injuries, and it was another 90 minutes for a few players, another 70 minutes for some others.

“The players were looking forward to this game because we played at home with the crowd.

“Now we have a week to prepare everything, one week to mix what we’ve done this pre-season and we’re really looking forward to the league.

“I think we are since May 7, everybody’s been thinking about the game on Saturday. Everyone is really excited for the season, and I am one of them.”