Returning Ripley targets Boro’s number one jersey

Connor Ripley hopes to have seen the back of various loan spells as he targets a place between the posts full time at Middlesbrough.

The 24-year-old has been with Boro since 2011 but recently completed yet another loan spell, this time spending an entire season at League One side Oldham.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The shotstopper established himself as a firm fan favourite and a stable presence in goal there, managing 18 shut-outs and breaking the club record for the number of clean sheets kept in a season.

He was also crowned Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season by two separate fan groups.

The England Under-20 international has now returned to Middlesbrough however and while a well earned break is on the immediate horizon, Ripley knows where he wants to spend his time longer term.

“I’ve learnt a lot about myself in the past two years,” he said. “I’ve matured as a person and a player on the pitch.

“It’s great to be back with the lads and doing a little bit of training [at Rockliffe Park] then I’m going away.

“Next season is a big one for me. I want to stay here and fight for my position.

“I think I’ve done the hard work going out on loan to Sweden, Scotland and now Manchester. Now it’s time for me to be a Boro player and fight for my position.”